You're doing the right thing by planning ahead! I work with SSA cases and see this situation frequently. Your wife absolutely should apply for SSDI now - not just for potential immediate benefits, but to establish her disability onset date in the system. This is crucial because if something happens to you, she'll need that official disability determination to qualify for disabled widow benefits before age 60. One thing I'd add to what others have mentioned: make sure she applies within the statute of limitations. Generally, you have 5 years from your disability onset date to file for SSDI. If her health issues started 12 years ago, she might need to be strategic about documenting when her condition became severe enough to prevent work. Also, even if she's initially denied (which happens to about 65% of first-time applicants), don't give up. The appeals process exists for a reason, and having that denial on record still helps establish when she first sought disability recognition, which could be important for future survivor claims.

This is such an important topic that more couples need to understand! I went through something similar with my parents. My dad was receiving SSDI and my mom had chronic conditions but never applied because his benefits covered their needs. When he passed away unexpectedly, we learned the hard way about these rules. What really helped us was understanding that there are actually two separate things happening here: your wife establishing her own disability status with SSA, and the future potential for survivor benefits. Even if her SSDI application results in $0 monthly payments (due to family maximum rules or other factors), having that official disability determination is what opens the door for early survivor benefits. One thing I'd strongly recommend is keeping detailed records of her medical appointments, treatments, and how her conditions affect daily activities. The SSA will want to see a clear picture of her functional limitations, not just diagnoses. Also, if she hasn't seen doctors recently for her conditions, it might be worth scheduling some appointments to get current medical evidence before applying. You're being really smart to think about this now rather than waiting. The peace of mind alone is worth going through the application process.

Adding to what others have shared - I went through this exact same confusion when I first started Medicare two years ago! One thing that might help future newcomers is knowing that the 1095-B form is actually pretty basic - it just shows your name, coverage dates, and confirms you had qualifying health coverage. The most important info is really just when your Medicare coverage began, which you can find on your Medicare card or welcome packet if the form gets delayed. I keep a simple spreadsheet now with all my Medicare dates and key info as a backup. The first year is definitely the hardest as you figure out all these new processes!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same experience! I turned 65 last year and had the same panic about finding the 1095-B form on the SSA website. Like everyone else mentioned, it definitely comes in the mail from CMS, not through your MySocialSecurity account. One thing I'd add is that if you're worried about missing the form in your mail, you can also sign up for Informed Delivery through USPS - it sends you previews of your incoming mail each morning so you won't accidentally throw away important tax documents. I started using it after almost tossing my 1095-B because the envelope looked like generic government mail. Also, don't stress too much if it's delayed - my tax preparer said the IRS is pretty understanding about Medicare forms arriving late since it's such a common issue. The most important thing is having your Medicare start date, which should be on your Medicare card or in your welcome materials. Glad you got yours sorted out!

Based on what you've shared, here's what I recommend as your next steps: 1. Help your daughter create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to check her work credits. 2. Gather comprehensive medical evidence: - Clinical records from therapists/doctors - Psychological evaluations if available - Prescription medication history - Treatment notes documenting symptoms and limitations - Any hospitalizations or intensive outpatient treatment 3. Document how her conditions affect daily functioning: - Failed work attempts with specific details - Difficulties with daily activities - Social functioning limitations - Episodes of decompensation (periods when symptoms worsen) 4. Apply for both SSDI and SSI simultaneously online or by calling SSA. 5. Consider getting a disability attorney if initially denied (most work on contingency). The combination of multiple mental health conditions plus asthma could strengthen her case, especially if you can document how they interact to further limit her functioning.

With SSDI, she would get Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. With SSI, she would likely get Medicaid immediately in most states. Either way, she would eventually have health coverage, which is important for maintaining the treatment she needs. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet: make sure her doctors are specifically documenting how her conditions limit her ability to work. Many doctors focus on symptoms and treatment but don't explicitly address work capacity in their notes. You might want to ask her providers to complete a Medical Source Statement or Residual Functional Capacity form that specifically addresses work-related limitations. Also, if she's denied initially (which is common), don't give up! Request reconsideration within 60 days, and if denied again, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Success rates increase significantly at the hearing level, especially with proper representation.

I'm in a very similar situation with irregular commission income! One thing that really helped me was creating a simple tracking spreadsheet from the start. I track every payment date, amount, and type (regular salary vs commission) as soon as I receive it. When I applied for benefits, I brought printouts showing my payment history for the past 6 months and estimates for the rest of the year. The SSA rep was really appreciative that I had everything organized and it made the interview go much smoother. Also, don't stress too much about the earnings test calculations - once you get your first annual report form from SSA, it walks you through everything step by step. The key is just keeping good records from day one so you're not scrambling later to remember when you got paid what amount. Your brother sounds like he's in good shape if he's only looking at 2 months over the limit for 2025!

As someone who recently went through this process with quarterly bonuses, I can confirm what others have said - SSA definitely goes by payment date, not when the income was earned. One additional tip: when your brother applies, he should ask the SSA representative to put a note in his file about his quarterly commission structure. This way, when he does his annual earnings report, there's already a record that his income pattern was discussed upfront. It can help avoid questions or delays during the review process. Also, since he's starting benefits mid-year in July, he'll want to be extra careful about those September and December commission months. Even though it's only 2 months over the limit, make sure he reports those expected amounts during his application interview so there are no surprises. Good luck to your brother!

To directly answer your original question - yes, the maximum benefit for someone filing at FRA is increasing for 2025, and yes, this is separate from the COLA adjustment. The COLA applies to people already receiving benefits, while the maximum benefit calculation applies to new filers. However, this doesn't mean you'll get more than a 2.5% increase overall. Your benefit is calculated based on your own earnings history, not on what the maximum potential benefit is. The only way this affects you personally is through small adjustments to the PIA calculation formula that happens each year. For most people, these formula adjustments result in very small differences - we're talking about maybe $5-15 per month different than if you had filed with the exact same earnings history the previous year. Your claiming age and earnings history are FAR more important factors in determining your benefit amount.

Just to add another perspective here - I work in benefits consulting and help people navigate SS claims regularly. The confusion around maximum benefits vs COLA is super common, but here's the key thing to remember: unless you've been a very high earner for most of your career, these year-to-year changes in the maximum benefit calculation won't meaningfully impact your actual benefit amount. What WILL impact your benefit significantly is making sure you have an accurate earnings record with SSA before you file. I always tell my clients to create a my.ssa.gov account and review their earnings history at least 6 months before filing. I've seen cases where missing or incorrect earnings records cost people hundreds of dollars per month in benefits. Also, don't stress too much about timing your application to the exact month - focus more on whether you want to claim at FRA, delay for delayed retirement credits, or claim early with reduced benefits. That decision will have a much bigger impact on your monthly payment than any formula adjustments.