If a disabled worker recovers and then becomes disabled again within five years, what is required before they can receive benefits again?

When a disabled worker recovers and subsequently becomes disabled again within a five-year period, they must undergo a new waiting period before they can receive benefits again. This requirement exists to ensure that there is a defined period during which the worker is re-evaluated for their current disability status and to determine the validity and extent of their new claim.

The rationale behind this waiting period is to allow for a thorough assessment of the worker's health condition and circumstances surrounding the new disability. It provides the insurance provider with the opportunity to verify that the worker truly meets the criteria for disability benefits based on their latest situation.

In contrast, reasons like immediate reinstatement or no waiting period would not provide the necessary checks needed for proper claims management and could potentially lead to issues of fraud or misuse of benefits. Additionally, while a review of previous claims might be part of the process, it does not replace the requirement for a new waiting period, which is fundamental to establishing eligibility for benefits after a gap in coverage.