Philomena Kearney Byrne

Hi, I have started the process of applying for classification 2 voluntary contributions to maximize my UK State Pension. I worked in the UK from 1990 to 2002. I returned to Ireland late 2002 and it took about a year to setup my business. I was self-employed from 2003 to the present time, with the exception of 2013-2017 when I was ill and unable to work and was on disability allowance. I have a number of questions. 1. My HMRC records show that i paid 26 weeks contributions for 2002 tax year. As I left the UK as soon as I finished working, this would mean i left in October 2002.. However, i am not exactly sure of the date.. is that okay ? 2. I spent 2003 getting my business up and running, setting up my home etc.. So I had no income and did not apply for any government support. I have requested a PRSI Contribution Statement from MyWelfare in Ireland.. which will show my contributions here from 2003 to the present... Will that be sufficient evidence of my work history ? Presumably, because I can only make voluntary contributions to my UK pension from 2006.. the other years don't matter ? 3. For the years I was getting a disability allowance ... 2013-2017... how does that qualify in terms of Class 2 or Class 3 ? 4. I am currently receiving an Irish Widows pension.. My understanding is that doesn't interfere with my ability to apply for a UK State Pension ? 5. Do I need any evidence of my work history in the UK or is that obvious from my HMRC records ? I was self-employed before I left the UK...