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Millions will have to wait for free bus pass as rules set to change

Millions will have to wait for free bus pass as rules set to change.

At present anyone in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales can get a pass to use local buses for free when they reach 60.

In England the rule is that you can get a bus pass at the state pension age for women – which now stands at 66.

But in the years ahead the state pension age is set to be increased – meaning younger pensioners and retirees will not be able to get a bus pass in England, reports The Express.

The state pension age, for both men and women, will reach 67 between 2026 and 2028 under the Government’s current schedule, and will rise to 68 by 2046.

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To start the application process, claimants will need to head to the Government’s website.

On the website there is a tool where users enter their postcode.

They will then be presented with the contact details for their local council.

Local councils can then be contacted for their bus pass claiming procedures, which may differ between local authorities.

State pensions themselves require at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions.

To receive the full amount of £179.60 per week, at least 35 years will be needed.

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