Q Like a reader you recently answered, I too think I am being short-changed on my Long Term Incapacity Benefit. My wife is 63 and her only income is a State pension of £31.96 a week. Should I be receiving extra on my Incapacity Benefit for her?

A Yes. As she has turned 60 you can claim an increase for her. This should be £45.70 a week minus the value of certain State Pensions and Benefits she may receive. In your case, therefore, you are due £13.74 a week (£45.70 minus £31.96).

Q How much capital can I have before I have too much to qualify for Pension Credit? I have £5,000 in the bank and own my house.

A There is no upper savings limit for Pension Credit. A person qualifies if their income is below a certain level. When their income is worked out, a weekly value is placed upon their savings. The first £6,000 is ignored and so is the value of their home. Every £500 over £6,000 is treated as £1 a week in the calculation of their income. Savings of £10,000, for example, count as £8 a week.

Q My wife has a four-weekly State Pension of £197 and mine is £402. I also have a monthly works pension of £177.54 and our savings are £19,000. Do we qualify for Pension Credit or any reduction to my rent or Council Tax?

A Savings of £19,000 are treated as £26 a week, making your weekly income £216.58. This means that you qualify for Pension Credit of about £1.70 a week. As your savings are more than £16,000, however, I am afraid you do not qualify for Council Tax Benefit or help with the rent through Housing Benefit.

Q Since my husband passed away in May, my only income is £350 a month from my part-time job, £360 a month private pension and £64 a week Bereavement Allowance. When the Bereavement Allowance stops after a year, will there be anything I can claim? I am 52 and have a working son at home.

A Your income will be too high for you to get Income Support or Council Tax Benefit.