Let's Talk September - Saving money on energy bills and pension credit
Published on 29 September 2025 04:17 PM
The Lets Talk session in September provided practical tips on Managing Energy Debt and Reducing Energy Bills from SHINE Energy Service. We also heard from Islington Council's Income Maximisation Team about the importance of applying for Pension Credit for those people of state pension age who are on a low income.
See below for helpful information and resources that were shared within the session and additional guides that might be useful.
❤️ Managing and Reducing Energy Bills
SHINE Energy Service is operated by Islington Council and is available to Islington residents with an income below £16,480, receives means tested benefits or where a households member:
• Has a disability
• Has a long-term health conditions worsened by the cold
• Is a child under 15
• Is an adult over 60
• Spends more than 10% of household income on gas, electric or communal heating
They provide telephone support for:
• Energy and bills advice, including dealing with debt
• Water bill discounts
• Energy supplier comparisons (when the market is competitive)
• Priority Service Registration
• Mediation with energy and water companies
Call: 0800 953 1221
They also provide SHINE 'Energy Doctor' home visits to provide advice and help residents reduce their bills.
See SHINE's slides from their talk
❤️ Applying for Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a ‘means tested’ benefit.
- It is administered and paid by the Pension Service; part of the Department for Work and Pensions.
- It is paid in addition to other income to ‘top up’ your income to a ‘minimum’ amount.
- Even if you're eligible for a small amount of pension credit, if your application is successful, it can lead to other benefits including: housing benefit, Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax Support, Free TV licence (75yrs+), NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs to hospital, Warm Home Discount.
How to claim Pension Credit / check if you’re eligible
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
The government Pension Credit team can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).
Online: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
Paper form – available online or by phoning 0800 99 1234
An Islington resident's experience of applying
An Islington resident attending our September event gave an account of her experience applying for Pension Credit - she found it "very easy doing it".
See the Islington Council Income Maximisation Talk slides
❤️ More information
See the Age UK Guides with further comprehensive information including links to printable guides.
Age UK guide: How to Keep Warm in Winter
❤️ Further support
If you're not feeling confident in finding the support you need, do get in touch with Age UK Islington.
Contact Age UK Islington on gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk or call them on 020 7281 6018 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm).
❤️ Let's Talk next month
Age UK Islington runs a regular monthly Let's Talk event.
This monthly forum is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your thoughts, and connect with others. Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere with plenty of time for discussion. We’d love to hear your views!