Q When my daughter reverted to her maiden name, the DSS said this was a reason for suspending benefit payments into her bank account. Because they did not tell her, she went into the red, incurring bank charges of £55. The DSS said it was "procedure" and her bad luck. Can she do any thing?

AIt is worth seeking compensation through the Parliamentary Ombudsman, who investigates maladministration and injustice in benefit administration. The address is Millbank Tower, Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP.

QMy husband has an income of £175 a week and I have a Training Allowance of £63.10. Our council says we can get no help with our Council Tax of £696 a year. Are they right?

AIt looks like it although you do not give your full details. But if you are both under 60, able-bodied and have no dependant children, you would only get a rebate if your assessed income was below £150 a week.

QOur weekly state pensions are £325 and £165 and our monthly works pensions £108 and £28. With savings of £8,000 can we get a rebate on our Council Tax of £654 a year?

AYes. £8.34 a week.

QI receive retirement pension and Income Support. My son lives with me and has gross earnings of £176 a week. Should I be paying rent and Council Tax?

AYour son's presence means you do not get the full rebates that go with Income Support. On his wages he will be treated as being able to contribute up to £4.60 a week for the Council Tax and £38.20 a week to the rent.

QMy wife who has no income has just reached 60. Can I claim extra for her on my Incapacity Benefit?

AYes. £41.75 if you are on long term Incapacity Benefit.

QOur retirement pensions are £173.60 and £422.16 monthly and my husband's works pension is £111.63 a month. Our savings are £2,000. Are we due a reduction on our Council Tax of £714.14 a year.

AYes. A weekly rebate of nearly £7