Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
414. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on her commitment to examine the possibility of extending the €500 disability payment to those in receipt of the Partial Capacity Benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62007/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2023 has been designed to assist people with cost-of-living increases through a mix of lump sum payments, increases to weekly payment rates and an expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme.
The measures include the provision of a one-off €500 payment to recipients of the Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and the Carer's Support Grant.
Partial Capacity Benefit has been designed to allow persons on the scheme to continue to receive a percentage of their previous payment while in employment; there are no restrictions on the number of hours a person can work nor on their earnings. A person may be in receipt of a Partial Capacity Benefit payment while in employment for up to three years.
As persons in receipt of Partial Capacity Benefit are in employment without any restriction on earnings, they are not eligible for the €500 payment. However, Partial Capacity recipients received a double payment in October and are also eligible for the Christmas bonus double payment. In addition, from January 2023, the maximum rate of Partial Capacity Benefit will increase by €12 per week, with proportionate increases for people getting a reduced rate and for qualified adults.
