How long does a worker have to have been back at work before requiring a new wage statement to be processed if their disability recurs?

• A. 13 weeks
• B. 26 weeks
• C. 52 weeks
• D. 104 weeks

Answer: (B)

When a disability recurs after the worker has returned to work, the earnings history needs to be re-established to determine future benefits accurately. The threshold of 26 weeks of continuous back-to-work earnings marks when a new wage statement is required. This six-month period ensures the wage base used to calculate benefits reflects the worker’s current earnings, not pre-return wages, which helps prevent over- or under-payment. If the recurrence happens after fewer than 26 weeks back, the prior wage basis generally remains in effect for calculating the new period.