Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a social welfare scheme which allows a person return to employment if they have reduced capacity for work and to continue to receive a payment from my department. A person who applies for PCB will, in the first instance, be assessed by a Medical Assessor who expresses an opinion on the degree of partial capacity. A person assessed with a moderate restriction on capacity for work gets 50% of their personal rate of payment plus any increases due in respect of an adult dependant and children; a person assessed with a severe work restriction gets 75% and a person assessed with a profound level gets 100%.
This case was examined by a medical assessor who is of the opinion that the person concerned has a moderately reduced capacity for work. However, the case was sent for review and on receipt of a new opinion a decision was made on the case confirming the original decision and the person concerned was notified of the position.
If the person concerned disagrees with the assessment they have the right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.