Q Is my income less than the Government's minimum level? My wife and I have state pension of £48.61 and £43.61 plus an employer's pension of £245 a month and a war pension of £23.75 a week. We pay full council tax of £820 a year.
A Minimum Income Guarantee for a couple is £140.55 a week and your income would be assessed as £162.32 a week. However, you are paying far too much Council Tax. Your bill should be no more than £226 a year.
Q Our joint pensions are £151.66 a week and our savings £8,500. Our son lives with us, paying £55 a week. Should we be paying full rent of £46.86 a week and council tax of £629 a year?
A This depends upon your son's gross earnings. You should get a council tax rebate of at least £0.92 a week and more if he earns less than £269 a week. You will only get help with rent, however, if he earns less than £163.
Q My husband is 59 and I am 57. He gets incapacity benefit that is made up to £115.50 a week by Income Support. Will he get any increase at 60?
A Yes. The Government thinks you need more to live on once you reach the age of 60. In your husband's case this will mean an extra amount of £25.05 a week.
Q You often mention minimum income guarantee for older people. Isn't there something similar available for families in need?
A Yes, the Government says working families bringing up children should have a guaranteed minimum income of £225 a week if they claim Working Families Tax Credit. You can find out more by ringing 0845 609 5000.
Q I have been told that I won't get a retirement pension when I am 60, but will have to wait until my husband is 65. Why?
A Because you can't have paid enough National Insurance to qualify in your own right. When your husband takes his state pension you will be able to claim a married woman's pension on his contributions
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