Partial Capacity Benefit
Last checked October 2026
What it is
Lets you return to work at reduced capacity while keeping some of your Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension, rather than losing it all the moment you take a job. Your rate depends on a medical assessment banding your restriction as moderate, severe or profound (mild does not qualify), and ranges from €127.00 to €259.50 a week. Budget 2027 announced that the Wage Subsidy Scheme will be extended to people moving from Illness Benefit to Partial Capacity Benefit.
Who can get it
- You're getting Illness Benefit for at least 6 months, or getting Invalidity Pension
- A Department of Social Protection medical assessor bands your restriction as moderate, severe or profound (mild is not eligible)
- You're returning to work, employed or self-employed
- You can work and earn from employment on top of the reduced payment, there's no earnings limit on the job itself.
- The rate you keep depends on both your assessed band and which payment you came from (Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension).
- Apply as early as you can. The service page says to apply before you start work. The Operational Guidelines allow up to 21 days after you start. You must start work within 13 weeks of applying.
How to apply
Applications go through DSP. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 7 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
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