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Full list of people eligible for free bus pass and when to apply

The free bus pass scheme supports people who may struggle to pay transport costs, but it's only available to certain groups of people

[Males and females commuting by public transport. Men and women are traveling in bus. They are in casuals.]

Millions of Brits access free bus travel every year, but many fail to take up this major benefit(Image: izusek via Getty Images)

Throughout the UK, 8.7 million people get to travel on the bus for free thanks to concessionary passes. However, only certain groups are eligible for this major money saver.

In the UK, two types of free bus passes exist, with the programme designed to assist those who might find transport costs challenging.

Both valid for local bus services, these include passes for elderly residents and passes for individuals with disabilities.

Every years, people across the country fail to take up this major benefit, or are unaware that they are eligible in the first place, with the application being entirely free.

[Pensioners in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland get free bus travel over 60 - but in England it's down to local authorities]

Pensioners in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland get free bus travel over 60 - but in England it's down to local authorities(Image: Getty)

Below is a comprehensive guide detailing exactly who qualifies for these passes and the application procedure involved.

Based on the Government website, elderly people in England can secure their bus pass when they reach State Pension age, which presently sits at 66 for both women and men. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, however, applications can be submitted from age 60.

London residents can also access free bus travel from 60 via the 60+ London Oyster photocard obtainable through the TFL website, which encompasses free travel on trains and other public transport options.

Age UK suggests that additional regions might provide travel reductions for those above 60. "It's a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available," the charity advises.

[An elderly lady tapping her pass against a scanner as she boards a bus.]

Pensioners free bus travel between Scotland, England and Wales(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

For further information about applying for the older person's bus pass, visit the Government website here.

England doesn't have a centralised provider for disabled person's bus passes. You'll need to contact your local council to establish eligibility and submit an application. You can apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK by checking your local council.

The general criteria in England for a disabled person's bus pass is if you're aged five or over and you:

• Are profoundly or severely deaf
• Are severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted)
• Would be refused a licence to drive a motor vehicle, should an application be made under Part three of the Road Transport Act 1988, under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness), otherwise than on the grounds of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol
• Are without speech
• Have a disability, or injury, which has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to walk
• Have no arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• Have a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which started before adulthood and includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning

Your condition will need to be permanent or last at least 12 months. If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the application process is slightly different. More information can be found online, here.

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