Who is eligible for the Older Person's Freedom Pass?
To qualify for an Older Person's Freedom Pass, applicants must satisfy two main criteria: age and residency.
Age requirements
Eligibility for the older person's pass is tied to the State Pension age, currently 66. You can apply up to 14 days before your 66th birthday, with the pass becoming active on that day. This age has increased with changes to the national retirement age.
Residency requirements
You must be a permanent resident of a London borough, meaning it is your main home. Moving outside of London makes you ineligible for the pass, although you might qualify for concessionary travel elsewhere.
Eligibility for the Disabled Person's Freedom Pass
London residents of any age with eligible disabilities can apply for a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass. Eligibility is based on statutory disabilities defined by the Transport Act 2000.
Statutory disabilities
You may be eligible if you have certain conditions, including being blind or partially sighted, profoundly or severely deaf, without speech, having a significant long-term walking disability, lacking the use of both arms, having a learning disability as defined in legislation, or being unable to drive due to physical fitness (excluding drug/alcohol issues).
Benefit-based qualifications
Receiving specific benefits can also lead to eligibility, such as the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with 8+ points for moving or communicating, or War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.
Discretionary passes
Some boroughs may offer discretionary passes for disabilities not meeting statutory criteria, like severe mental health conditions, subject to their policies. These may have limited validity outside London.
Older Person's vs. Disabled Person's Freedom Pass
| Feature | Older Person's Freedom Pass | Disabled Person's Freedom Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Eligibility | Age based (66+ and London resident). | Disability based (statutory disabilities and London resident). |
| Application Age | From 14 days before 66th birthday. | Any age. |
| Travel Time (within London) | Restricted travel before 9:00am on weekdays (except bank holidays). | Free travel 24/7 on most public transport. |
| Travel Time (bus outside London) | Free travel on local buses across England 24/7. | Free travel on local buses across England 24/7. |
| Required Documents | Proof of age, London residency, photograph. | Proof of disability, London residency, photograph. |
The Application Process
What you need to apply
All applicants need proof of identity, age (for older person's pass), London residency (Council Tax bill, utility bill within 3 months, or HMRC/DWP letter), and a recent photo. Disabled applicants also need proof of disability (medical evidence or benefit letters).
How to apply
Applications are handled by London Councils. You can apply online or by post via their website or your local borough council's site.
Processing and receiving your pass
Older Person's Passes usually arrive in about 10 working days, while Disabled Person's Passes can take up to 4 weeks. The pass is mailed to your London address.
Conclusion
Eligibility for a London Freedom Pass depends on age (66+ for older persons) or disability criteria, plus being a London resident. The application process requires proof of identity, age, and address, managed by London Councils. Meeting the criteria and providing correct documents are key to getting a pass for free public transport in London.
60+ Oyster Card vs. Older Person's Freedom Pass
London residents aged 60-65 may be eligible for a 60+ London Oyster card from TfL, offering similar free travel in London for a fee. This differs from the Older Person's Freedom Pass (age 66+) and the Disabled Person's Freedom Pass (any age with eligible disability). More details are on the TfL website.
- TfL 60+ London Oyster photocard (Optional Outbound Link)
