Pays for benches (7)
I believe the answer is:
settles
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'pays' is the first definition.
(settling a debt is paying it)
'for benches' is the second definition.
(settle is a kind of bench)
(Other definitions for settles that I've seen before include "seating" , "Resolves" , "Comes to rest" , "Long wooden benches with backs" , "Pays the bill" .)