Let's Talk: Getting Ready for Winter
Published on 03 October 2026 04:54 PM
For Let's Talk in September we had a talk from Islington Council's Income Maximisation team who spoke about ways to maximise your income including what you need to know about Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. We also heard from Islington's SHINE energy team who can help people to reduce energy costs.
State pension and pension credit
❤️ Islington Council Income Maximisation talk slides
Alex and Tracey from the Income Maximisation Team gave an introduction to Pension Credit, a benefit that is not as claimed by many people who are on a low income and eligible, despite it providing a gateway to other discounts and benefits too.
Their talk also covered Attendance Allowance which is a non-means tested benefit (eligibility is not affected by level of savings or income).
See the Islington Council Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance talk slides
Check your State Pension
Find out when you’ll reach State Pension age and what you could receive. It’s also important to check your National Insurance record for gaps, as these can affect your State Pension. MoneyHelper provides guidance on the State Pension, National Insurance contributions and planning for retirement.
Find out more:
MoneyHelper – State Pension
GOV.UK – Check your State Pension age
GOV.UK – Check your National Insurance record
Get pension aware
If you have pensions from current or previous jobs, or a private pension, Pension Awareness can help you understand them better. Its free information and Pension Check-in can help you review your pensions, understand what they could provide in retirement and consider your next steps.
Could you claim Pension Credit?
Pension Credit provides extra financial support for people over State Pension age on a low income. In Islington, around £12.9 million is estimated to go unclaimed each year, with around 3,570 households potentially missing out.
Many people of State Pension age who could be entitled to Pension Credit never make a claim. Here are some of the common myths:
- Own your home? You may still be eligible for Pension Credit. Home ownership is not taken into account when entitlement is calculated.
- Have savings? You could still qualify if you have savings. The first £10,000 of savings is ignored. For every £500 of savings above £10,000, DWP assumes you have an extra £1 a week in income when calculating your Pension Credit entitlement.
- Receive State Pension? Pension Credit is paid in addition to your State Pension and could provide extra financial support.
- Think it happens automatically? Pension Credit is not paid automatically. People need to check their eligibility on GOV.UK and make a claim.
Age UK provides information about eligibility, what you could receive and how to make a claim.
Saving money on energy bills
No one wants to spend more on their energy bills than they have to. Find out about the SHINE Energy service that's available in Islington - helping you to identify energy discounts, providing help with your energy bills and debt. They can also provide energy doctor visits at home, if you're eligible.
Age UK has a useful guide which can help whether you want to save money on your household energy use or you're wondering what support is available to help you pay your bills - from Warm Homes Discount to Winter Fuel Allowance.
❤️ More information
See the SHINE Energy talk slides.
See the SHINE Energy website for more details about the service and how to register.
See the Age UK Energy Advice guide.
Age UK Islington
If you're not sure where to start, or would like to talk through your situation, Age UK Islington is here to help.
Helpline: 020 7281 6018, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Email: gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk
Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/islington/