Q Has the savings limit for the over-65s gone up from £16,000 since pension Credit was introduced? I am 95 with only a State Pension of £82.16 a week and have savings of more than £16,000.
A There is no upper savings limit for Pension Credit - the benefit that has replaced Income Support for people who are over 60. So those with a small pension income may be eligible, even if they have significant savings. In your case, you could have savings of up to £37,000 and still qualify for something.
Q Can we claim anything towards our council tax of £1,098? Our combined monthly State Pensions are £569.84, plus three private pensions totalling £203.46 a month. We get Savings Credit of £6.56 a month and have £14,311 in savings.
A If you qualify for Savings Credit, chances are you are paying too much council tax. You, for example, are due a rebate of £15 a week.
Q I have Incapacity Benefit of £74.15 a week and Disability Living Allowance. My wife has Carer's Allowance of £44.35 a week and £34.62 a week wages. We have two £3,000 ISAs and £2,000 in savings. We pay no council tax, but wonder if we can get Income Support.
A Have either of you reached 60 yet? If so, you will come within the rules of Pension Credit, which are more generous than Income Support. This would give you another £50 a week. If you are both under 60, however, you are not due anything.
Q We are both 63 and I have a State Pension of £158.45, with a works pension of £100.15, both paid four-weekly. My husband's part-time wage is £75 a week and our savings are £19,000. We pay £862 a year council tax. Can we claim anything?
A You are due Guarantee Credit of about £5 a week, which you can claim by phoning 0800 99 1234. Savings of more than £16,000 normally rule someone out for Council Tax Benefit but, as your income is low enough for you to get Guarantee Credit, you will be due a full rebate.
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