Q My wife, aged 77, has recently received a winter fuel payment of £200, an age-related payment of £50 and a cold weather payment of £8.50. Despite my letters to the pension Service, they have not made any such payments to me, even though I am 77 as well. What can I do to get the money I am owed?

A Sorry, but they owe you nothing. For pensioners of your age, the winter fuel payment is £200 per pensioner household. Pensioner couples do not get £200 each. The cold weather payment indicates that you are receiving Guarantee Pension Credit. That means that the age-related payment for your household is £50. So everything you are due as a couple has been paid to your wife.

Q My son has been out of work for two years with depression. He receives Incapacity Benefit and relief on his council tax, but family and friends still have to help him with his mortgage and other outgoings. Is he eligible for anything else?

A He might qualify for Income Support. That includes help towards mortgage interest after a waiting period. As your son has been on Incapacity Benefit for some time, he may well have served that waiting period by now.

Q Even though my only income for the past few years has been Incapacity Benefit, I have had to pay full council tax. This is because my savings, which include stocks and shares, are valued in excess of £20,000. This money is not easily accessible and I feel I am being penalised for saving. Is any council tax relief possible?

A I am afraid not. The only people with capital over £16,000 who qualify for Council Tax Benefit are those on Guarantee Pension Credit. This is regardless of how difficult it might be to access that capital.