Amid the constant stream of bills and unexpected health expenses, the financial burden of dental care in Canada has long been a concern. While universal healthcare exists, dental costs were often an out-of-pocket expense until the recent introduction of the Canada Dental Benefit.
The Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) is a government program designed to reduce the cost of dental services for eligible families with children under 12 years of age who lack access to private dental insurance and whose family income is less than $90,000.
For each eligible child, qualifying families can receive a tax-free payment of up to $650 annually for two years, depending on their adjusted family income.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the Canada Dental Benefit, exploring its eligibility criteria, the application process, amounts, payment dates, and how it alleviates the financial strain on Canadians.
Join us as we explore the lifeline that is the Canada Dental Benefit in 2024 and ensure your dental health without breaking the bank.
What is Canada Dental Benefit?
The Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) is an interim program from the federal government of Canada designed to reduce dental expenses for eligible families earning less than $90,000 annually. Parents or guardians can qualify if they cover dental care for a child under 12, lacking private dental insurance.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the benefit amount hinges on your adjusted family net income. Families can receive a maximum of two payments per child, available for just two periods.
For families with children under 12 as of December 1, 2022, and receiving dental care between October 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, the first benefit period applies. The second period covers children receiving dental care between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
Canada Dental Benefit Amounts
Depending on your adjusted family net income, a tax-free payment of $260, $390, or $650 is available for each eligible child.
The CRA determines how much you can receive as your CDB payment. It is usually determined based on your adjusted family net income. Note that your dental costs do not determine your benefit amount for each eligible child.
If you share custody of your child and currently split your CCB benefits, you will receive half of the dental benefit amount.
The table below shows the benefit amount you will receive for full or shared custody based on your adjusted family net income.
Adjusted family net income Full custody amount Shared custody amount Less than $70,000 $650 $325 $70,000 to $79,999 $390 $195 $80,000 to $89,999 $260 $130 $90,000 or more not eligible not eligible
You can use the benefit estimator tool to estimate your adjusted family net income based on your tax information. This will help you determine your adjusted family net income and how much you can receive for each eligible child.
Canada Dental Benefit Eligibility Requirements
There are two benefit periods for the CDB.
Eligible families with children under 12 as of December 1, 2022, who receive dental care services between October 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, will receive the first benefit period. The second benefit period is for children who receive dental care services between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
Ensure that your child meets the eligibility criteria for the period your child receives dental care to be able to get the Canada Dental Benefit.
Check if you meet the criteria for each child you want to apply for.
Eligibility Criteria for the First Benefit Period
If your child receives dental care between October 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, you must meet the following eligibility criteria for each child you apply for:
- Your child was born on or after December 2, 2010.
- Your child receives dental care services in Canada from a dentist, denturist, or a dental hygienist
- Your child does not have access to a private dental insurance plan
- No other dental program provided by any level of government fully covers your child’s dental costs
- You are the only parent or caregiver receiving the Canada Child Benefits (CCB) for your child as of December 1, 2022.
- You and your spouse/common-law partner have filed your 2021 taxes
- Your adjusted family net income was less than $90,000 in 2021
Note: The first period is now closed.
Eligibility Criteria for the Second Benefit Period
If your child receives dental care between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, you must meet the following eligibility criteria for each child you apply for:
- Your child was born on or after July 2, 2011.
- Your child receives dental care services in Canada from a dentist, denturist, or dental hygienist
- Your child does not have access to a private dental insurance plan
- No other dental program provided by any level of government fully covers your child’s dental costs
- You are the only parent or caregiver receiving your child’s Canada Child Benefits (CCB) as of July 1, 2023, or you have shared custody of your child and receive half of the CCB.
- You and your spouse/common-law partner have filed your 2022 taxes
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000 in 2022
- You did not apply for additional payment for your child’s dental costs in the first dental period
Eligibility Criteria for Additional Payment for Higher Dental Costs
If you do not apply for both benefit periods and your child’s dental care costs more than $650 in the period you apply for, you may be eligible for additional payment. The additional payment may be available from July 1, 2023.
To receive the additional payment, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your child’s dental care costs more than $650 for services received between October 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.
- You did not apply for this benefit for your child in the second benefit period
- You were eligible and have received the payment for the first benefit period.
RELATED: What is Canada PRO Deposit on My Bank Statement? (July 2023)
Canada Dental Benefit Application
Before you begin your Canada Dental Benefit application, be sure to complete the following steps to make your application easier.
- File your income taxes for the previous year.
- Make sure you qualify to receive the CCB payments for your child.
- Create a CRA My Account.
- Set up a direct deposit with the CRA.
- Update your direct deposit information with the CRA
Applications are currently going on for the first benefit period. You can apply for all your eligible children simultaneously or separately.
The application for the first benefit period closes on Friday, June 30, 2023 (11:59 am ET). The second benefit period will be open from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Follow these steps to apply for your Canada Dental Benefit with the CRA.
Step 1: Gather your information
To apply for the CDB, you will need the following information:
- The name, address, and telephone number of each child’s dental care provider
- Date or expected date of the child’s dental care appointment
- The name, address and telephone number of your employer (if applicable)
- The name, address, and telephone number of your spouse’s or common-law partner’s employer (if applicable)
Step 2: Apply Online or By Phone
You can apply for the CDB online through your CRA My Account.
If you do not have a CRA My Account, you can sign in or register for a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) and access your CRA My Account.
To apply by phone or TTY, call 1-800-715-8836 or 1-800-665-0354 (TTY). The phone lines are open from Monday to Friday (8 am to 8 pm) and Saturday (9 am to 5 pm). They are closed on Sundays and every public holiday.
You may be required to confirm your identity. If so, you will need to provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN), full name, address, date of birth, assessed tax return, and notice of assessment or reassessment.
Step 3: Keep your dental care receipts
Ensure you do not lose receipts from your child’s dental care appointments. Keep all receipts for at least six years.
The CRA may request to validate your eligibility. If asked to validate your application, you must respond within 30 days or be asked to repay your benefits.
Canada Dental Benefit Payment Dates 2023
There are no specific payment dates for the Canada Dental Benefits. The first payment will occur between December 2022 and June 2023, and the second payment period will occur between July 2023 and June 2024.
If you set up direct deposit with the CRA, you can expect to receive your payment in about five business days. However, if you opt to receive CDB by mail, a mailed cheque should arrive within ten business days.
Final Thoughts on Canada Dental Benefit
In summary, the Canada Dental Benefit is a fantastic opportunity for low and moderate-income earners in Canada who are struggling to pay for their children’s dental care services.
By applying for the program, eligible families can receive tax-free payments of up to $650 per child annually for two years.
With the program’s eligibility requirements and specific benefit periods, it’s essential to act fast and apply as soon as possible.
So if you want to reduce the burden of dental care costs for your children under 12, don’t miss out on the Canada Dental Benefit.
Apply today, and in just five days, you could receive the support you need to keep your child’s smile shining bright!
FAQs on the Canada Dental Benefit
What is the federal dental plan in Canada?
The federal dental plan is called the Canada Dental Benefit. It is an interim dental care program introduced in 2022 in Canada.
Does the CDB cover adults or seniors?
No, the CDB doesn’t cover dental costs for adults or seniors. It only covers dental costs incurred by children under age 12.
What dental costs does the CDB cover?
The CDB covers dental services provided by a dentist, dental hygienist, or denturist.
