Q Our State Pensions are £282.48 and £404.56 four weekly, and my husband's works pension is £144.66 a month. Our savings are £8,000. Can we have a reduction on our council tax of £114.72 a month?

A Yes. Around £10 a week.

Q I am 82 and disabled with a State Pension of £89.81 a week, my late husband's works pension of £337.68 a month and savings of £12,000. My working son lives with me. Is there any point claiming Attendance Allowance or help with my council tax of £1,309 a year?

A Yes on both counts. How much Council Tax Benefit you get will depend upon how much contribution the council assumes from your son. This will depend upon his income. If you get Attendance Allowance, they will assume nothing.

Q I am an 83-year-old widow with a State Pension of £88.67 a week, Attendance Allowance and savings of £16,500. I live alone and have no carer. Can I get a reduction on my council tax of £616.95 a year?

A Not as things stand because your savings are over the £16,000 limit. Reduce them to £16,000 by reasonable spending and you could get a full rebate immediately. Whether you do or not, you will be able to claim Pension Credit of about £50 a week in October and still get a full rebate.

Q How much can you have in the bank and still get Pension Credit? I am 82 and, apart from savings, all I have is a pension of £78.26 a week.

A In your case you could still get Pension Credit with savings up to £36,000.

Q I took early retirement to look after my wife who has High Rate Disability Living Allowance of £313 a month. I get Income Support of £149.56 a week in addition to my works pension, plus full rent and Council Tax Benefit. I am told I should claim Carer's Allowance (CA).Will this be deducted from my other benefits?

A Yes, but having CA will make you a carer for Income Support purposes and this will give you £25 a week more overall.