Q My husband died in August 2001 when I was 57. My Social Security Office tell me I can only get benefit if I am sick or register for work.

As I am fit but not free to take a job I have to manage on £107 a month from my late husband's works pension. Is there anything else I can claim?

A You have been misinformed. As you were aged 55 to 59 on April 9, 2001 and your husband died after that date, you are eligible for Income Support. For you that means £52.84 a week, and you do not have to be sick or sign on to get it.

Q My sister, aged 75, has a State Pension of £89.88 a week and £1,600 in the bank. She claimed Pension Credit in July but has not heard back yet. Will she qualify?

A I hope she hears soon as she is due nearly £20 a week.

Q My Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) increased in October. Will my savings of £6,800 entitle me to extra now that MIG for singles has gone up to £139?

A MIG has not gone up to £139 for singles. It has been replaced by Pension Credit (PC) and most single people will not get it if their weekly income is over £139.

Anyone who was on MIG will now be getting PC although, like you, they may not have noticed it.

Q I will get my State Pension next year but my wife, who does not work, will only be 57 then. Will I be able to claim anything for her or must she wait until she is 60?

A Provided she has no earnings or private or works pension over £54.65 a week, you can claim £46.35 a week for her.

Q I am 62 with a State Pension of £109.60 a week plus DLA Mobility Allowance. My rent and Council Tax are reduced by rebates to £8.79 and £1.79 a week respectively. Am I getting the right money?

A At the moment, yes. The best bits of Pension Credit are paid to those who are 65 plus. If you were that age you would get about £11 a week more cash and more help with your rent and Council Tax.