QI have the chance to take my mineworkers' pension early. But will it affect my Disability Living Allowance, Industrial Injuries or Incapacity Benefit?

AOnly Incapacity Benefit could be affected. Half of any pension over £85 will be deducted from benefit.

QWhat will happen to my Disability Living Allowance when I reach pension age?

ANothing. It stays the same as long as you meet the medical conditions.

QYou recently replied to some one with a State Pension of £104.17 a week. I am 78, worked from the age of 14 and only get £80.76. Why?

AAlthough the basic state pension is £72.50, the State Earnings Related Pension (Serps) that some people get on top varies. It depends on how long they have been in Serps and how long they were covered by a company pension.

QI get a single Retirement Pension and my wife of 56 is being offered an early retirement package. Does this mean we could now claim as a couple?

A You could get an extra £43.40, but only if her weekly works pension is under £53.05.

QMy wife died on 31 March. Do I become eligible for the new Bereavement Benefits?

A No. The new scheme treating widowers the same as widows started on April 9.

QI have £75.65 a week Income Support and Incapacity Benefit. Will these be affected by the mobility allowance I have just been awarded?

A No. The mobility component is part of Disability Living Allowance which does not affect other benefits.

QI have been self-employed as a child-minder and am expecting a baby. I owe some self-employed National Insurance Contributions. Will I have to pay these before I can get benefit?

ANo. Maternity Allowance for the self-employed now depends on earnings, not contributions. You will qualify if you have worked in at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the baby is due. Also in 13 of those weeks you must have earned an average of at least £30 a week.