Q When my husband died a year ago I was given a Bereavement Allowance of £75.50 a week. Why has this now stopped and is it true that I must live on £53.95 a week?

A Since April 9 last year, benefit may be paid to both widows and widowers but, unless there are children involved, it only lasts for a year. Childless widows under 60 with no income must then rely on Income Support of £53.95 a week plus rent and council tax rebates.

Q I am nearly 65 and get £128.30 a week Incapacity Benefit for my wife and me. Our retirement pensions will be about £2 less than this. Would I be better off staying on Incapacity Benefit?

A You do not have the choice. Incapacity Benefit finishes when your state pension becomes due.

Q My council tax has gone up 14 per cent to £710 a year. Our state pension is £178.37 a week. Our son, aged 25, lives with us and his take home pay is between £160 and £180 a week. Can we get a council tax rebate?

A What your son is expected to pay depends upon his gross, not net, pay. I estimate, therefore, that your council tax benefit should be about £3.34 a week.

Q Our state pensions are £94.41 and £44.30 a week plus a works pension of £134.58 a month. Our council tax is £768.72 a year and our son, who is working, lives here. Can we get a rebate?

A Yes. The amount of your rebate will depend upon your son's wages, but it will be at least £4 a week.

Q I am 55 and married, with a pension from a previous job of £3,200 a year. My health is not good and I am thinking of going on the sick. What benefits could I then get? Our mortgage is £67 a month and council tax is £80.

A Initially you should get Incapacity Benefit of £53.50 a week and council tax benefit of £9.19 a week.

Q I am 88 and get Attendance Allowance of £56.25 a week. Is this the full rate?

A Yes this is the rate for 24-hour care. But you might be due Income Support as well, particularly if no one is getting benefit for looking after you.