OAP over 60 bus pass

soolin

Mojisola wrote: »

The qualifying age is women's pension age which is changing each month.

The calculator shows I can't get a bus pass until I am 66:(

tanith

I never could understand why there are time restrictions outside London when we Londoners can travel at anytime it doesn't make sense to me.

soolin

tanith wrote: »

I never could understand why there are time restrictions outside London when we Londoners can travel at anytime it doesn't make sense to me.

We can't, my neighbour has a London buss pas and can't travel until 9.30, he's using the 60+ oyster as he is not yet eligible for a freedom pass

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/adult-discounts-and-concessions/60-london-oyster?cid=fs147

Bettie

Buzby wrote: »

Because it was illegal to discriminate based on age. Men did not get any benefit until they were 65 (females 60). This was harmonised some time ago, and all became valid at 60. Someone of 61 gets one by applying for one, not by assuming they are not entitled. Your local council website will advise where to get the relevant form. Look for 'concession travel'.

As to how long 60 is the entry age will last is anyone's guess - if may return to 65 for all, or be scrspped entirely - it will be up to your elected government to decide.

I get mine in September when I will be ~62 years and 3 months which is my pension date. If I was in Wales I would get it at 60 seemingly. I am not sure about Scotland as the link was not working for me.

Bettie

Mojisola wrote: »

The qualifying age is women's pension age which is changing each month.

I knew it was pension age but someone who is younger than me wouldn't get their pension before me so I guess the OP must live outside of England or be one of the people that get it for some types of disability

Bettie

frank777 wrote: »

Make up some of the shortfall with the £200 Winter Fuel Allowance if you were Born on or before 5 July 1952, it's not means tested and you have to apply if your not on benefits.


Correction - you don't have to apply for the Winter Fuel Allowance, if you don't want it!

Thanks . :beer: Seems I don't have to claim . It says "You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).
If you qualify but don’t get paid automatically, you’ll need to make a claim."

tanith

soolin wrote: »

We can't, my neighbour has a London buss pas and can't travel until 9.30, he's using the 60+ oyster as he is not yet eligible for a freedom pass

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/adult-discounts-and-concessions/60-london-oyster?cid=fs147

It has to be a Freedom Pass to travel anytime which is what I have;)

getting-sorted-sarah

Agree with soolin - the bus pass is to help older people on a low fixed income to get out and about. I live in a rural area and without the pass many would be practically house bound. If you are working why shouldn't you pay for travel like everyone else? Unfortunately for the OP, the pass is more likely to be removed or restricted further than it is to become more generous and include peak periods.

27col

I think that you should have to buy your bus pass, £25 or £30. This woudl be easily affordable for most pensioners, but at the same time, would make a significant contribution towards reducing the over all cost of the scheme.

QuackQuackOops

I think its about time the 'Free' bus pass was scrapped.

Instead, if someone over 60/65 wants to travel on the buses after peak periods, why not introduce a scheme of Pay x amount and travel anywhere then at least some contribution is made?

I feel the same about NHS services. Pay 50p when visiting the doctor. That very small contribution in itself will pay for each practices office supplies saving thousands a year.
'Free' doesn't work too well in this day and age.