Q I am going to be paying Voluntary National Insurance contributions for the next six years to help me get a bigger retirement pension. Can I use these contributions to get Incapacity Benefit if I go sick?

A No. Voluntary Contributions count only towards Retirement and Widow's Pensions.

Q I cannot get benefit from the Jobcentre because my ex-employers did not pay contributions for me. Can I claim anything?

A If they should have paid contributions and did not, tell the Inland Revenue. They may 'deem' the contributions to have been paid so you can get benefit. Otherwise, you may get Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance depending upon your circumstances.

Q I am a widow of 73 living alone and receiving retirement pension of £73.45 a week, a pension from my late husband's employer of £144 a month and about £5,000 savings. Can I get a reduction on my Council Tax of £51 a month?

A Yes. About £2.50 a week.

Q All we have is my pension of £116.87 a week and my wife's of £40.40 plus Disability Living Allowance for mobility. How much Council Tax should we be paying?

A After a rebate, no more than £272 a year.

Q When I reach 60 1 will only get a 62 per cent retirement pension. As my husband only works part time, could I get it made up by Income Support?

A It would depend whether your joint weekly income were below the appropriate level which is currently A-£121.95.

Q My wife and I both get Attendance Allowance and mobility payments. Our income from other sources works out at £162 a week. Is any further benefit due?

A If no one receives Invalid Care Allowance for looking after you, then Income Support under preferential rules will be payable for you. This will give you an extra £50 a week plus a full Council Tax rebate into the bargain.

Q My wife will be 60 next year but we do not know if she will get a retirement pension. If she does, how will this affect my Incapacity Benefit (IB)?

A To find out about her pension she should get a form BR19 from the DSS. You could claim extra on your IB for her when she is 60. This will be £40.40 less any Retirement Pension she receives.