Q My daughter received £16,000 as a divorce settlement, much of which she had to spend renovating a rented house. When the DSS found out they stopped her Income Support for 13 weeks. Why?

A Income Support stops if capital goes above £8,000. Benefit may be restored if it then falls below this, but precisely when may depend upon how the money has been spent.

Q I am 65 and have only my retirement pension of £85.88. I get reductions on my rent and council tax, but could I get Minimum Income Guarantee?

A Not yet. The Minimum Income Guarantee for you is currently £78.45. In April it goes up to £92.15, and you should qualify then, getting full help with your rent and Council Tax as well.

Q I know that from April savings under £6,000 will be ignored for Income Support. Will this also apply to people on Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance?

A The new capital levels apply to those who are aged 60 and over and relate to Income Support (now called Minimum Income Guarantee). They also apply to people of 60-plus in Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

Q My retirement pension has just increased from £22.95 on my own contribution to £40.40. Can I get more?

A Your rise is due to your husband's National Insurance. Any extra would be Minimum Income Guarantee, which depends upon the income and savings of you both.

Q My Incapacity Benefit stopped when I reached 60, causing me to lose £30 a week. Had I been a man I could have got it until I was 65. What happened to equal treatment?

A Sorry. This seeming inequality was challenged in the courts in 1995, but it was ruled to be lawful.

Q As my wife is under 60 I have not been able to claim an increase for her Incapacity Benefit. What will happen when I reach 65 and claim my retirement pension?

A You can claim an extra £40.40 provided she has no earnings or pension over £52.20