Q Readers should beware of the pensions forecasts you tell them to get. In 1994 the DSS told my husband his pension would be £112. He then took early retirement and when he got his pension last year it was only £70. Why the difference?

A The DSS stress that they can only give an estimate based on current circumstances. Future changes can alter the outcome. The DSS presumably did not know your husband would be retiring early and ceasing to contribute.

Q You recently said that a personal pension will reduce your State Earnings Related Pension (SERPS). I have paid into a personal pension for 12 years and into SERPS since it started? Have I been wasting my money?

A If you have been paying into both at the same time you get the benefit of both. Those who have contracted. out of' SERPS through a personal pension will of course only get SERPS for the years they were in it.

Q We have State Pensions of £78.52 and £41.99, private pensions of £140.48 a month and savings of £6,500. Can we get help with our Council Tax of £691 a year?

A Yes, a rebate of £4.32 a week. From April more favourable rules will mean your Council Tax goes down to £230 a year after rebate.

Q I have State Pension of £77.47 and a mobility allowance. My wife, aged 57, has a £10 a week works pension and Job seeker's Allowance (JSA) of £52.20 which runs out in a few weeks. With savings of £5,000 can we get any help with our Council Tax of £603 a year?

A Yes. You qualify for a rebate of £8.26 a week. When your wife's JSA stops you will be due a full rebate and Minimum Income Guarantee of £35 a week.

Q What would be our situation if my friend and I were to get married? He has State Benefits, including industrial injuries, of £125.42 a week. My Income Support brings my pension of £57.68 up to £78.45.

A Income Support would not be payable. You would only qualify for rebates if your weekly basic rent and Council Tax were more than £40 and £12.36, respectively.