Q My pension forecast tells me that when I reach the woman's pension age of 60, I will have 26 qualifying years, giving me a 67 per cent basic State Pension of £53.33 a week. The forecast says if I pay £116.45 for missing contributions, I will gain another qualifying year. Is it worth paying the extra amount?

A Paying this will give you a 69 per cent basic State Pension, which is £54.92 a week at current rates. This extra £1.59 a week means you will get your money back within 18 months of reaching 60. It looks a good deal, but the choice is yours.

Q I receive Carer's Allowance for looking after my husband who is on Incapacity Benefit. I am due a State Pension of £71.53 in 2007. Can I put off claiming it, stay on Carer's Allowance and take a later pension?

A You can, but I see little point. The pension will be more than your Carer's Allowance of £44.35. You cannot increase your pension by deferring your claim while you continue to receive Carer's Allowance.

Q Why can we not get Pension Credit? Is it because of our weekly State Pensions of £176 and monthly works pension of £158? Or is it our savings of £11,000?

A Your weekly income works out at £212.34 and a couple cannot usually get Pension Credit with an income above £211.50. £11,000 savings are treated as £10 a week income, but you would not qualify, even without savings.

Q My State Pension will be due in March and my wife has taken early retirement to look after me. She has a pension from her employer, but cannot claim State Pension as she has insufficient contributions. Will I be able to claim for her?

A If your wife has reached the age of 60 when you reach 65, she can claim a State Pension based on your National Insurance contributions. If she is younger, you could claim an increase for her on your State Pension, provided her occupational pension is less than £55.65 a week