Q My Income Support claim was turned down last year but, after I wrote to you, they gave me £21 a week. They had forgotten to include the severe disability premium in my assessment. Should this have been backdated? I have asked the DSS but with no success.

A Where the mistake was their fault they must backdate the benefit to the date of your original claim.

Q I have just been awarded my state pension but my wife, aged 64, gets only a paltry £0.54. Surely she is due more than this?

A She cannot have paid enough contributions for a basic state pension but, now that you too are a pensioner, she should be due for one based upon your National Insurance. It's £45.20 a week, so contact Social Security urgently.

Q I get Income Support of £98.15 a week but have been told that when I reach 65 in three months I shall get only £78.26. How can I manage with a reduction of nearly £20?

A Don't worry. £78.26 is just your retirement pension. Income Support will top it up to £98.15.

Q We are 77 and 51 and get full housing and council tax benefits. What can we earn before these benefits are affected? What if our £3,000 savings increase?

A You can earn £10 a week between you before these benefits are reduced. Savings affect benefits once they rise above £6,000.

Q I am in my early sixties and expecting a windfall from an insurance policy. How will this affect my Income Support, Housing Benefit and council tax benefit?

A If this brings your capital above £12,000 you will lose your Income Support. If it brings it up to more than £16,000 you lose housing benefit and council tax benefit as well.

Q An 81-year-old relative in South Africa worked in the UK as a nurse many years ago. Is she entitled to a British state pension?

A UK National Insurance may qualify someone for a UK pension or help them qualify for one from another country's scheme. Rules vary according to the country but the experts to contact are Pensions and Overseas Benefits Directorate, Benton, Newcastle NE98 1BA.