Nebrhahe, ALS diagnosis is an automatic and fast track for terminal diseases. do you have an actual ALS diagnosis? you need to get on the phone if you do and talk to someone. your disability has nothing to do with your wife's income...
and Jim, YES! very upsetting that a stay home mom, housewife or in your case small business owner not getting a check can not get SSDI or medicare. We also own a business, and found out the same thing. I too worked in the family business, but never drew a check--one check and it came to my husband. BIG mistake but too late for you now. what you said about the credits over the last 10 years is exactly right. It is a very bad loophole in the law--and hurts a lot of people. (your wife and nikki's sis for example right here)