Q My friend's husband, who is approaching 65, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. What financial help might be available?

A He should apply for Disability Living Allowance quickly because it has to be claimed before the person reaches 65. If he gets it, his wife might be eligible for Carer's Allowance. They can get the claim forms and advice from the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00.

Q I am a widow of 65, still paying £175 a month on my mortgage. My State Pension is £114.87 a week and my private pensions total £144 a month. I have been told I do not have to pay any Council Tax. Is this right?

A Not as things stand. You could only have full Council Tax Benefit if your weekly income was under £131.95 a week or you received Guarantee Pension Credit, neither of which appears to be the case. However, you do seem to be entitled to some Pension Credit that would take your mortgage interest into account.

Q I have been receiving £114.90 from the Jobcentre since April and my wife earns £200 a week. Is it right that my benefit will stop in September if I am still out of work?

A It looks like it. What you receive now is Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance which is payable for only six months. After that, you cannot get further benefit if your wife works more than 24 hours a week.

Q I have had several jobs since being made redundant in 2004. My wife and I manage on my 20 hours part-time wages of £5.80 an hour and my works pension of £701 a month. Can I get Working Tax Credit?

A You would only be able to claim if you worked at least 30 hours a week. If you did, however, it would put your income above the level where you could qualify.

Q As my daughter is a lone parent, she can claim Working Tax Credit if she works 16 hours a week or more. If we paid her £300 a month, would this count as part of her income for Working Tax Credit purposes?

A Yes.