Q We both work full-time, but are having our first baby in August and my husband will be starting a year's teacher training in September. Then I will only have Statutory Maternity Pay and he will only have a bursary. Can we claim anything?

A Once you have the baby and are given a Child Benefit number, you should claim tax credits from the Inland Revenue. These will be based initially upon your joint income from April last year to April this year. As your actual income for 2005/2006 will be less than this, you should also give them a realistic estimate of the current year's income to use as a basis. You should also see a cut in your council tax because, as students do not count, you will be treated as a single occupant. You could receive a further reduction on low income grounds.

Q I qualified for a State pension in 2001 and was asked to pay a £3,000 shortfall in my contributions. I did not have the money to pay, so I now have a reduced pension of only £23.88 a week. In view of the recent Government announcement about people with modified pensions, might I now be able to get an increase?

A The Pensions Service is contacting people with modified State Pensions who were not sent notices about their deficient contributions for the years between 1996 and 2002. Such people may be able to claim an increased pension so, if you think you could be one of them, contact 0845 600 66 69. However, if your modified pension is due to you not paying enough contributions before 1996, these measures may not apply to you.

Q I am 47 and work 21 hours a week for a take-home pay of £99.56. My house is bought and paid for, but can I claim any benefits towards household bills, such as council tax and gas?

A Some people on low wages can claim Working Tax Credit. This would not be an option for you, however, because as a single, childless person without an apparent disability, you would need to be working 30 hours a week. Even so, you should be due Council Tax Benefit if your bill is more than £405 a year.