Q You recently said that Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) could only be reduced if the claimant had an occupational pension of more than £50 a week. Why then is my wife's superannuation from her late husband deducted in full from my JSA?

A The £50 rule for occupational pensions only applies to Contribution-based JSA. Yours seems to be the Income-based variety which is reduced by most forms of couple's income.

Q I am on Income Support living with my registered blind son who does not work but has considerable savings. As he is classed as a second adult, does this mean I must pay full Council Tax?

A You do not get the automatic 25 per cent deduction for those who live alone but you should only be liable for your son's contribution which should be no more than £2.30 a week.

Q I have a single person's pension of £88.38 a week and capital of £6,000. How much reduction could I get on my Council Tax of £433 a year?

A About £4 a week.

Q I live alone and my Incapacity Benefit has been stopped leaving me with £65.50 a week Industrial Injuries. Should I be paying full rent and Council Tax?

AYou should be paying no more than £8.64 and £2.66 weekly respectively for basic rent and Council Tax.

Q I was 60 on October 2 last year. Do I get a winter fuel allowance?

A Not this year. To qualify, you had to have been 60 or more during the week commencing September 18, 2000.

Q My employer is about to offer stakeholder pensions. How can I decide whether to take one or stay in SERPS?

A It is a personal decision but for a start you could phone for the DSS Pensions booklet on 0845 731 3233 and ring the Stakeholder Pensions Helpline on 0845 601 2923.

Q Now I am 60 I thought I would get a pension of £40.40 on the national Insurance paid by my husband who is 62. Why am I not getting it?

A Until your husband has reached 65 you can only get a pension based upon your National Insurance