276. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to partial capacity benefit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27388/26]

Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a social welfare scheme which allows a person to return to work or self-employment and continue to receive a payment from my Department. People in receipt of Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit (the latter for a minimum of 26 weeks) who wish to return to work are eligible for PCB if their capacity for work is reduced due to their medical condition.

The person concerned applied for Partial Capacity Benefit on 23 March 2026. For a customer to qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit they must be deemed moderate, severe or profound by the Department’s medical assessor. The amount of payment is set at 50%, 75% or 100% of their previous payment depending on the extent to which their condition is assessed to impair their capacity to work.

The customer concerned has had their medical completed by the Medical Assessor on 13 April 2026 and has been deemed ‘moderate’. A letter was issued on the same day to the person concerned informing them of the result. The next step in the process is to receive confirmation from the employer and the person concerned of the exact date they intend to return to work. This avoids any overpayment with their underlying scheme namely Illness Benefit.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.