Q I am a man aged 69 who worked until I was 66. I have never applied for a state pension. Could I apply now and, if so, from when would it be payable?

A You could have claimed at any time from the age of 65, whether you were working or not. Your pension cannot be backdated beyond three months before the date of your claim. However, by deferring your claim, you increase your pension by about 7.5 per cent for every year you have put it off.

Q I want to stop work at the same time as my husband, which will mean retiring early. Who do I inform about this and are there any pitfalls?

A Your date of retirement is a matter between you and your employer only. It could mean you get a reduced state pension, so get form BR19 from the Social Security Office to find out.

Q We are both 74 and my state pension is £88.85 a week, while my wife's is 45.20. My works pension is £231 a month. Can I get a rebate on our council tax of £1080? I also get full attendance allowance, but I believe this is ignored.

A Yes, it is ignored which means you are due a council tax rebate of £13.30 a week.

Q I am 89 with a state pension of £76.49 a week and a works pension of £173.32 a month. My savings are £1,600. Can I get a rebate on my council tax of £611.29 a year?

A Yes. £8.11 a week.

Q Our council tax is £828.42 a year. Our combined pensions are £135.80 and my four weekly BR pension is £111. Our savings are £10,500. Are we paying too much?

A Yes, £9.58 a week too much.

Q Did I once read in your column that incapacity benefit claims made before a certain date were free from tax?

A Indeed you did. Those who transferred from the old incapacity benefit on 13 April, 1995 continue to get it tax free. Those claiming or reclaiming since then must pay tax after six months on the benefit.