Q Should I be paying full council tax of £711.34 a year? My monthly income is: state pension of £375.20, war pension £95.84 and works pensions of £147.10. I have no savings.

AIt depends how your council treats your war pension. If they ignore it your council tax will be reduced to £306 a year. If they ignore the minimum of £10 a week it will be £451.

Q At 58, I have had to go on the sick. My wife has no income but I cannot claim extra Incapacity Benefit for her as she is under 60. Can I claim anything?

A You should claim Income Support. This will bring your income up to £84.65 a week. You get full council tax benefit and, if you pay rent, maximum housing benefit.

Q Am I entitled to council tax and rent reduction? My husband's take-home pay is £140 a week. I get Incapacity Benefit of £76.90 a week and Child Benefit of £15.75 in respect of one child.

A You should claim help, not from the council, but the Inland Revenue. Working Families Tax Credit is for low wage earnings with children and would give you at least £20 a week. Get a claim form by ringing 0845 609 7000 or advice on 0845 609 5000.

Q My Incapacity Benefit is £122.76 a week, miner's pension £53.04 a week and wife's state pension £18.97 a week. My savings are £9,000. What council tax should I be paying after rebate?

A No more than £592 a year.

Q My monthly state pension is £350.56, company pension £41.65 a month, and monthly maintenance £43.34. My savings and investments bring in about £70 a month. Can I get a reduction on my council tax of £56 a month and rent of £211.24 a month?

A I cannot say exactly as it is the value of capital, not the interest, that is taken into account. But even with capital at the limit of £16,000 you will still qualify for something.

Q I am a widower and pensioner, aged 73, and have just received a council tax bill for £339.03 after rebate. Is this right?

A If your income is about £130 a week, yes