Q My wife and I are 75 with weekly State Pensions of £88.11 and £53.73 respectively. I have £60.60 a week Attendance Allowance and my wife looks after me. Could she claim Carer's Allowance?

A She cannot receive Carer's Allowance as her State pension is more than £45.70, but she can claim underlying entitlement to it. This would give you more generous treatment if you claim Pension Credit and Council Tax Benefit. If you have no more income than you have mentioned, you would be due £57 a week Pension Credit and a full council tax rebate.

Q I get Income Support and pay £17 a week rent because my daughter, who lives with me, only works part-time. If she takes a full-time job, topped up with Working Tax Credit, how would that affect my rent?

A Her rent share depends upon her income. If her gross weekly income rises to between £150 and £194, her contribution will be £23.35 a week to the rent and £4.60 a week towards the council tax.

Q I live with my 90-year-old mother, who receives Attendance Allowance and Guarantee Pension Credit. She had been paying £13.12 a week rent and £11 a month council tax. The council has now informed her that she should only be paying water charges and nothing else. Is this correct?

A Yes. When housing and council tax benefits are calculated for a person receiving Attendance Allowance, those living with them are not expected to pay any contribution. If that person is on Guarantee Pension Credit, they will get full rebates.

Q I am 53 and claim Jobseeker's Allowance for me and my partner, who will soon be 60. If she then claims Pension Credit for us both, will I be able to stop attending the Jobcentre and pay my own National Insurance Contribution towards my State Pension?

A Yes. If you want to pay a Voluntary Contribution (£7.35 a week) ask the Pension Service how long you need to pay to get a full pension. Alternatively, you could continue to sign at the JobCentre and receive free National Insurance credits. From 60, you get these credits without having to sign on.