Return to work while keeping part of your Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension
Partial Capacity Benefit Ireland 2026
If you are on Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension and want to try returning to work, Partial Capacity Benefit lets you keep 50–100% of your payment while earning any amount from employment.
Payment rates by restriction level (2026)
| Restriction level | % of payment kept | Weekly amount (Illness Benefit base) |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate | 50% | €116.00 |
| Severe | 75% | €174.00 |
| Profound | 100% | €232.00 |
No earnings limit — you can work and earn any amount on top of your PCB payment.
Who can apply
- You are currently receiving Illness Benefit for at least 6 months, OR you receive Invalidity Pension
- You want to return to work (employment or self-employment)
- You have a medical condition that restricts your capacity for work
You apply before returning to work — PCB must be approved first.
How to apply
Download and complete form PCB 1 from gov.ie and send it to the Partial Capacity Benefit section of the DSP with your GP or specialist medical reports.
A DSP medical assessor will review your file and assign a restriction level. You will be notified of the decision before starting work.
Frequently asked questions
What is Partial Capacity Benefit?
A payment that lets you return to work while keeping 50%, 75% or 100% of your Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension, depending on your assessed restriction level.
How much will I receive?
Moderate: 50% (€116/week from IB base). Severe: 75% (€174). Profound: 100% (€232). No earnings limit.
Is there an earnings limit?
No. You can earn any amount from work while on PCB.
How is my restriction assessed?
A DSP medical assessor reviews your medical evidence and assigns a level: Moderate, Severe or Profound.
How long does it last?
As long as your underlying IB or Invalidity Pension entitlement continues. IB has a 2-year maximum; Invalidity Pension recipients can receive PCB indefinitely.