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As part of the pre-budget report in December 2009, it was announced that concessionary travel eligibility would be aligned with changes in the state pension age. This means that as the state pension age for women gradually increases to 65 over the next five years, so will eligibility to apply for an older persons Freedom Pass. Here are a couple of examples: A resident born on 10 th August 1950 would not be eligible for the older persons freedom pass until 6 th January 2011 – 5 months later than previously. A resident born on 27 th July 1952 would not be eligible for the pass until 6 th November 2014 – 2 years and 3 months later than previously. If your 60th birthday is on or after 6 th April 2015 you will become eligible on your 65th birthday. Until 2002 eligibility was linked to the state pension age, with women becoming eligible at 60 and men at 65. In 2002, the age of eligibility was equalised at 60 for both men and women. Current Freedom Pass holders and holders of the disabled person's Freedom Pass are not affected by this change. Cllr Clarence Barrett (Cranham RA), who has researched the issue, said: “Not only has this Government withdrawn grant funding for the Freedom Pass, but as a double whammy it has slipped in an increase for the age of eligibility from 60 to 65. “Many residents have been looking forward to receiving their Freedom Pass on their 60 th birthday but will now have to wait much longer for that benefit. “In Havering we have the highest proportion of older people in London and protecting the Freedom Pass for our residents is a fundamental commitment, however the government have typically gone backwards and forwards on this and are now responsible tor letting down a great many people”. See link for table setting out when you will become eligible. 8.4.10 |
Not many people may be aware of this, but as from April 6 th 2010 eligibilty for the older persons Freedom Pass will increase from 60 to 65 over a period of 5 years.