Benefit that makes a small number suffer (5)
I believe the answer is:
avail
'benefit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'a small number suffer' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'number' could be 'v' (V is an example) and 'v' is located in the answer.
'suffer' could be 'ail' (ailing is a kind of suffering) and 'ail' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'that makes' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for avail that I've seen before include "Make use, take advantage" , "Be of value to" , "Medal (informal)" , "Be useful" , "Serve a purpose" .)