People in England can claim a free bus pass when they reach the state pension age of 66, but with the state pension age due to rise, millions will
People in England can claim a free bus pass when they reach the state pension age of 66, but with the state pension age due to rise, millions will get it later than expected. This has infuriated older people who have been taking to Express.co.uk to vent their anger that their peers in Wales and Scotland receive a free bus pass when they reach 60. However, there are five groups that can actually get a bus pass for free.
While pensioners are currently eligible for their state pension and free bus pass when they reach 66-years old in England, that will soon increase to 67 and then 68-years-old.
However, the rules are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where residents can apply for a free bus pass when they’re 60.
Readers have been taking to Express.co.uk to vent their anger at the unfairness of it.
Dave3456 said: “This is discrimination against English pensioners.
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But not everyone agrees, with some readers saying it’s only fair that the state pension age rises along with its associated benefits.
Reader Palm Tree said: “It is insulting to call people aged 65 elderly!
“If you are still at work nothing wrong with paying for prescriptions.
“Or purchase a prescription pre-paid certificate. I paid for my prescriptions until aged 65, but did not retire until 67.”
BiRo agreed: “Prescription charges and bus passes should be in line with retirement age with provision for those who are unable to work – free TV licences should be reinstated for all over 75s.”
Meanwhile, pensioners could boost their income by checking they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.
A million pensioners are estimated to be missing out on Pension Credit which can be worth £3,000 a year and allows them to claim a council tax reduction, Warm Home Discount, housing benefit and TV licence if they are over 75.
Helen Morrissey, senior pensions and retirement analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Pension Credit also acts as a gateway to other benefits with over-75s being able to get a free TV licence, for instance.
“You can also get help with heating and council tax bills so it can potentially be a massive help.”
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