When a disability recurs within six months of returning to work, is a new waiting period required?

When a disability recurs within six months of returning to work, is a new waiting period required?

• A. Yes, a new waiting period is required.
• B. No, it is treated as part of the prior claim.
• C. Only if the disability is different.
• D. Coverage is terminated.

Answer: (B)

When a disability recurs within six months of returning to work, it is treated as part of the prior disability claim. The purpose of the waiting period is to delay benefits after the initial onset, and if the person comes back to work and then experiences a quick relapse, this relapse is considered a continuation of the same event rather than a new condition. Therefore, no new waiting period is required and benefits can resume under the same claim. If the relapse were to occur after a longer separation or under a different condition, a new waiting period might apply.

When a disability recurs within six months of returning to work, it is treated as part of the prior disability claim. The purpose of the waiting period is to delay benefits after the initial onset, and if the person comes back to work and then experiences a quick relapse, this relapse is considered a continuation of the same event rather than a new condition. Therefore, no new waiting period is required and benefits can resume under the same claim. If the relapse were to occur after a longer separation or under a different condition, a new waiting period might apply.