Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
371. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason behind the decision to exclude recipients of partial capacity benefit from receiving family income supplement; and if she intends revising the scheme. [1274/14]
View answerThe partial capacity benefit (PCB) scheme provides an opportunity for people with disabilities who are assessed as having an employment capacity which is restricted compared to the norm, to avail of employment opportunities while continuing to receive an income support payment.
Participation in the scheme is voluntary and the scheme is designed in particular to respond to the needs of people who have sought to avail of ‘exemptions’ in order to take up employment opportunities. The limitations on hours worked which applied under the ‘exemptions’ arrangements do not apply to PCB. There is no earnings limit in place either.
Family Income Supplement provides extra financial support to people on low pay with children, but as PCB recipients while working already retain at least 50% of their personal income support payment (based on the assessment of their restriction on capacity) and retain additional payments for qualified adults and children at the same rate where applicable, there is no case for revising the scheme along the lines suggested by the Deputy.
