How can I boost my state pension income?

Is there anything I can do to raise this income? C. F.

Helen Kanolik, who runs independent financial adviser HelenKFinancial Advice, replies: The limits for State benefits are low and to get full pension credit, your savings would have to be below £10,000.

Above that level, each £500 of savings is deemed to provide you with income of £1 a week. This takes you above the limit for help with your income.

Your first option is to draw on your savings until the total is about £10,000 and then claim benefits.

Assuming you are single with no other benefits, and with £10,000 in savings, you might be entitled to an extra £21.20 per week in pension credit.

See the pension credit calculator at direct.gov.uk for details.

If you are a homeowner, you could consider downsizing or releasing equity while keeping your savings at the level you are comfortable with.

But releasing equity could prevent you obtaining benefits in future.

Read more: Pension