Which option correctly states the duration to maintain the claims file for a self-insured administrator?

• A. 5 years from the DOI and 1 year thereafter
• B. 5 years from the DOI and 1 year from date of last payment of benefits
• C. 5 years from the DOI or the date on which the last provision of compensation benefits occurred, whichever is later
• D. 2 years from the date of the last payment of compensation

Answer: (C)

For self‑insured administrators, the claims file must be kept for five years from the point that best protects unresolved issues. The clock starts at the later of two dates: the date of injury (the incident that began the claim) or the date on which the last provision of compensation benefits was made.

This setup ensures records remain available for any post‑benefit actions, such as reopenings, investigations, or audits, that could arise after benefits stop. If benefits end soon after the injury, you count five years from the injury date. If benefits continue for a long time, you count five years from the date of the last benefit. In all cases, the retention period ends five years after whichever date is later.

For example, if the injury was on January 1, 2015 and the last benefit was paid on February 1, 2019, the claims file would be retained until February 1, 2024. Alternatives that set a fixed date after injury or tie the period to only the last payment do not align with this rule and would not ensure adequate retention.