Q At 57 I will soon have to stop work because of arthritis. What can I claim? The system is a mystery to me. I have £18,000 in savings and will qualify for a works pension of about £2,000 a year.

A Your savings are too high for you to get means-tested benefits. If you are fit for work, claim Jobseeker's Allowance from the Jobcentre of £54.65 a week. Otherwise claim Incapacity Benefit of £54.40 initially, from the Social Security Office. If you have a disability ask them about Disability Living Allowance.

Q Our State Pensions total £126.25 a week and we have private pensions of £1,003 a year. Our savings are £12,000 and our council tax £873.58 a year. Can we claim anything now or later?

A Yes, now and later. You will be entitled to £14 a week off your council tax now, plus Pension Credit of £18 a week in October.

Q My father is 73 and my mother is 55. He has Retirement Pension for them both of £105 a week. She earns £35 a week but as they have £17,500 saved, they get no extra help at present. Will their situation change in October?

A Yes. Because Pension Credit rules treat savings more favourably, they will be entitled to £20 a week.

Q Who is helped by the Independent Living Fund and where can I find out more about it?

A You must contact your Local Authority Social Services Department with whom the Fund works in partnership. It is for severely disabled people who need extensive help with personal care to have an independent life in the community.

Q I am 94 and have only my State Pension of £79.94 a week. I have some savings but wonder if they will be too high for me to get Pension Credit.

A In your case you could have savings of up to £35,000 and still qualify for some assistance.

Q How much capital does a person have to have before they are expected to pay their care home fees in full?

A In England, £19,500. For more information on the subject, I can recommend the Help the Aged Care Fees Advisory Service. You can phone free on 0500 76 74 76.