Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2023
147. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on the best procedure for an individual planning to return to work on a part-time basis after being in receipt of the invalidity pension for a number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44552/23]
View answerInvalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The person concerned can apply for Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) if they wish to undertake some work. PCB extends the Illness Benefit (IB) and IP schemes to recognise and respond to the reality that some people in receipt of these payments have a capacity to engage in some level of employment while continuing to need a level of income support from the State.
People in receipt of IP who wish to return to work are eligible for PCB if their capacity for work is reduced as a result of their medical condition. Following a medical assessment, if a person's disability is rated as moderate, severe or profound, their payment continues at 50%, 75% or 100% of their existing rate, respectively. If assessed as mild, they will not qualify for PCB.
PCB can be paid for up to three years where the claimant has IP as their underlying scheme. There is no limit on the weekly hours that can be worked or on the amount of weekly earnings. The claimant can return to their original payment (IP in this case) if they find they are not able for the work or they cannot continue to work due to their medical condition after a period of time.
If the person in question wishes to return to employment but does not wish to claim PCB, they must notify my Department of the start date of the employment so that the IP can be stopped from the appropriate date. If the person concerned finds they are unable to continue with the work on health grounds within one year of his or her start date, then s/he can return to IP without having to make a full application again.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
