Non-Medical Evaluation

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Definition - What does Non-Medical Evaluation mean?

A non-medical evaluation, within the contest of occupational health and safety, refers to a process that is part of determining disability ratings. Disability will require more than just a physical examination for a claim to be approved. The various tests stipulated by the Social Security Administration have to be conducted and eligibility requirements must be met. A non-medical evaluation is the evaluation of everything outside of a medical examination that is considered before a disability ruling is made.

SureHire explains Non-Medical Evaluation

Disability is associated with physical problems, but the processing of the disability claim is more than a physical examination. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for those workers who pay into Social Security by means of taxes, and a determination also has to be made about eligibility based on the number of quarters in the calendar year this person has worked. An individual will have to have more work credits as he or she gets older in order to get full benefits. A duration of work test and a recent work test are used to determine SSDI eligibility

There’s also the concern in currently received income. Anyone filing for disability under SSDI as to earn less than a given amount of money on a monthly basis. Those who earn more are classified as being able to do substantial and gainful activity. Social Security defines substantial gainful activity with the use of a definition of income which uses the national average wage index. An important distinction is in regards to unearned income. Anyone collecting SSDI can earn money from unearned income such as investments, the income of a spouse, or interest.

Disability recipients are primarily American citizens but non-citizens are also allowed to file. They must be permanent residents and have paid into the Social Security system for the required number of years to be eligible. Non-citizens who are veterans can file a claim for SSDI, provided they meet eligibility rules.

Because SSDI is considered a benefit for those were required to retire early due to the disability, such benefits are converted into retirement benefit at the time the individual is at full retirement age.

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