Q I am 57 and left my husband because of domestic violence. As I am on the sick, I receive Income Support of £53.95 a week. Out of this I have to pay £13 for rent as I am not allowed full Housing Benefit until I get council accommodation. Will my situation ever improve?

A You will get an increase (currently £23 a week) if you remain on the sick for a year. At 60, you will receive the pensioners' rate (currently £98.15 a week).

Q Following redundancy, marital separation and unemployment I finally have another job, but it leaves me with only £32 after I have paid for essentials. The only benefit I get is a meagre £1.73 off my rent. Is there nothing more I can claim?

A The new Working Tax Credit should guarantee someone in your position a weekly income of at least £154. It does not start until April but you can claim now. Ring 0800 500 222.

Q Our present income includes my Income Support (IS) of £38 and the Invalid Care Allowance (ICA) of £42.45 that my wife gets for looking after me. Although she is 60, she gets no Retirement pension (RP). Why not?

A She cannot get RP on top of ICA. She gets whichever is the greater, which looks to be ICA. Even if she qualified for RP at a higher rate, it would be deducted from your IS.

Q My husband and I have a pension income of £193 a week. Our son lives with us and gives us £35 a week. Can we get a reduction on our rent of £46 a week and council tax of £82 a month?

A The council will ask about your son's gross income, not what he pays. You would only get a rent reduction if his income is under £88 a week but you could still get council tax rebate if it is under £280.

Q I am managing on my state pension of £79.20 a week, payment for mobility and £600 savings. Can I get help with my council tax?

A Yes and more besides. You should be getting Income Support of £18.95 a week as well as full council tax benefit.