Q My employer is paying me full pay for the first six months of my sickness and half-pay for the next six months. When can I claim Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?

A You claim IB after 28 weeks of Statutory Sick Pay from your employer. You have to have needed help with care or mobility for three months before you can get DLA, but you can claim before then.

Q I am a widow of 89, with a State pension of £84.03 and savings amounting to £12,000. Can I get a rebate on my Council Tax?

A Yes, you are entitled to a rebate of £8.19 a week.

Q I pay rent of £42.67 and Council Tax of £10.80. My income is £92.25 weekly State Pension, and a company pension of £151.98 a month. Can I get a reduction?

A Yes. Rebates will reduce your out-goings by about £1,300 a year.

Q How much in savings do you need to have before they affect benefits such as Income Support and Council Tax Benefit?

A £6,000 if you are 60 or over. Otherwise £3,000.

QMy wife will shortly be celebrating her 60th birthday. How will this affect her Incapacity Benefit (IB), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Reduced Earnings Allowance (REA)?

A IB stops at pension age. Retirement Pension could replace it, if your wife has paid enough National Insurance. DLA is unaffected by age. REA is reduced to Retirement Allowance, usually £11.29 a week.