John McGuinness
Question:458. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if partial capacity benefit will be approved immediately for a person (details supplied). [24196/23]
View answerTuesday, 23 May 2023
Questions (458)
Written answers
Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a social welfare scheme which allows a person to return to work or self-employment (if they have reduced capacity to work) and continue to receive a payment from my Department. An applicant must have been in receipt of Illness Benefit (for a minimum of 6 months) or Invalidity Pension prior to being awarded PCB and returning to work. To qualify for PCB, an applicant may not commence work until they have received written approval from my Department to do so.
The person concerned applied for PCB on the 6 March 2023. While this individual expressed a likelihood to return to work, no formal date for the commencement of employment was provided to my Department. On 3 May 2023, their application for PCB was disallowed as our records indicated they commenced work and failed to notify my Department of a commencement date, contrary to a request under Section 188 of the Social Welfare Act. The person concerned was advised of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
On 9 May 2023, the person concerned requested a review and has stated they will provide additional evidence to substantiate their claim. Once this review is complete, they will be notified of the decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.