Have I really missed out on two years' DWP pension payments?

thorsoak

I've just been told by someone who is - supposedly an "expert" that I could have claimed my pension almost two years earlier than I did - seriously is this true?    Married woman, born 1943, paid full NI stamps from the age of 18 to 23, then I paid the "married woman" stamp from then until I retired in 2005.   I did have the option of returning to full contributions in the early 80s, but because of family circumstances, I did not take this opportunity up.    I did not claim my pension in 2003, when I was 60 as I was under the impression that I would have to wait until my OH retired - which he did in 2005, and I received my pension from the date of his 65th birthday.  Sadly he died in 2011 and I receive a portion of my pension now through his contributions.    I "retired" from full time work in 2005, although I continued to work part time until the beginning of this year, and made no NI contributions after my 60th birthday.   Could I have actually claimed my pension in 2003?  

Silvertabby

By all means check with DWP, but don't get too excited.  My aunt also paid 'married woman's stamp' from her mid 20s - and her pension in her own right from age 60 was 20 something pence per week.

thorsoak

Thanks - that is what I thought - although I might just give them a call........