Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
490. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford can claim under the partial capacity benefit scheme retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12917/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPartial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a scheme which allows a person, who may not have full capacity for work, return to employment and continue to receive a payment from my Department. To be considered for PCB a person must, at the time of the application, be in receipt of either illness benefit for at least six months, or invalidity pension. A person who applies for PCB will, in the first instance, be assessed by a Medical Assessor (MA) who assesses the restriction on their capacity for work. When the MA gives an opinion, the matter is then considered further and a decision is made on the case.
A person assessed with a moderate level of work incapacity gets 50% of the personal rate of illness benefit or invalidity pension by way of PCB. A person assessed with a severe level of work incapacity gets 75% of the personal rate of payment; a person assessed with a profound level of work incapacity gets the full personal rate of payment. Increases in respect of a dependent spouse/partner and qualifying children are paid in full.
The person concerned is not currently in receipt of one of the qualifying payments for receipt of PCB and, therefore, cannot be considered for PCB at present. The retrospective award of PCB is not allowed.
