Q Our four-weekly State pension is £544 and my four-weekly works pension is £352 after tax. We have an interest-only mortgage of £25,000 and savings of £15,500. Is it worth claiming Pension Credit (PC) or a rebate on our £107 a month council tax?

A As PC takes mortgage interest into account, you might get a small amount. I can confidently say, however, that you are due a council tax rebate of £8 a week, provided your savings remain below £16,000.

Q My husband, 83, has a State Pension of £99.74 a week and mine is £111.82. My weekly private pension is £23.58. I have underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance because I look after my husband who receives Attendance Allowance. Our savings are £10,300. Can we get Pension Credit or Council Tax Benefit?

A No Pension Credit, I am afraid, but you still did right in claiming underlying entitlement to Carer's Allowance. It will help reduce your council tax to less than £400 when you claim Council Tax Benefit.

Q My husband and I are both 83 years old. My State Pension is £48.01 a week and his is £86.19, plus a four-weekly mineworker's pension of £142.48. We have savings of £13,734. Can we claim Pension Credit or help with our £88 a month council tax?

A Yes. Pension Credit of £10.68 a week and Council Tax Benefit of £14 a week.

Q I was refused Pension Credit even though my only income is a State Pension of £86.11 a week. Why? I thought I would qualify.

A So would I. You should be eligible for the guaranteed credit to bring your income up to £105.45 a week. If you have reached 65, you would get the additional savings credit of £4. Query this by calling the Pension Credit line, on (0800) 99 1234.

Q I receive Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for mobility at the higher rate. Can my wife, who has retired early, claim Carer's Allowance for looking after me?

A Only if your DLA includes the care component at the High or Middle Rate. Mobility Component alone does not count.