freewill is as usual correct. They have to make sure that you arent eligible for ssi before they process your ssdi. It has nothing to do with trying to lower your payment.

the amount you are paid is not based on your last year. it is a mathematical formula which encompasses many years that you have worked from which an average is derived. The last statement from social security that everyone gets everyyear about what their benefits would be if, for disability and regular retirement is usually close to what you will get. If your husband hasnt worked in the last year it would lower that number, if the last year was higher than previous years it would help raise that number.