Q My only income is a State pension of £87.27 a week. How much in savings are people allowed when claiming Pension Credit (PC)? I am 83.

A There is no upper savings limit. Savings are treated as income on a sliding scale, with anything under £6,000 ignored. Every £500 of savings over £6,000 is treated as income of £1 a week. Generally, single people can get PC if their weekly income is worked out as under £139. That means you would qualify for something if your savings are under £31,500.

Q We have joint State Pensions of £128.65 and a private pension of £45.48 a week. Our savings from ISAs and bonds bring us £42.90 a week on average. Can we claim anything?

A Most couples can expect to get PC if their weekly income works out at less than £204. Accordingly, you would only qualify if your savings were under £20,000 which, in view of the interest you receive, seems unlikely.

Q I am a widow of 78 with a weekly State Pension of £97.59, superannuation of £141.72 a month and £46,715 savings. Could I get Pension Credit?

A I am afraid not. Those savings would be treated as an income of £81 a week, making your total income for PC purposes £211.18 a week.

Q My State Pension is £80 a week and my wife's is £51. I also have a private pension of £32 a week and Industrial Injuries of £12 a week. With £42,000 in the bank, can we get Pension Credit?

A Again no. Your savings would be treated as income of £72 a week, putting you over the income limit.

Q Last year, the money we were allowed off our council tax rose to £12.26 a week. Then I claimed Pension Credit and the council reduced our allowance by £3.43 a week. Is this not giving with one hand and taking with the other?

A Not really. Rates of Council Tax Benefit for those 65 and over were increased last October when PC was brought in. This was to make sure that those who were to receive Pension Credit would be no worse off overall. Whatever PC you now receive, therefore, you should still be paying no more council tax than you were before October.