ILR Dependent and Citizenship Query : 2013

[Indian_bwoy]

I have obtained ILR in Oct 2012(Spent 5 Years in UK, recent 2.5 years in Tier 1). My dependent better half is still on Tier 1 Dependent since her visa is valid until December 2014. She entered UK on 20th April 2011 hence she is entitled for ILR on 21st April 2013.
a) Can she apply 28th Days before 21st April? i.e. we plan to Apply End of March to be safe side as lot of rules change on 6th April.
b) I am entitled for the British Passport in Oct 2013. Can she apply British Passport in Oct 2013, after getting ILR in March/April 2013?

Thanks for your help.

[wpilr_nov12]

A. Yes
B. You would need to have been free of immigration control ( ILR) for 12 months (1 year)