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The Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) was one of two programs that help residents pay for out-of-pocket expenses for their children’s dental care. It shouldn’t be confused with the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) that covers basic dental needs for everyone in a home with a net household income of less than $90,000 and who don’t have access to private dental insurance.
The Canadian Benefit plan is now closed and the government is redirecting those wanting to apply to the CDCP plan. The initial phases of the CDCP plan was for senior citizens over 65 years old, children under 18 and adults with a valid 2023 disability tax credit.
Renewals for currently enrolled CDCP members are now open. Renewals cover the 2025-26 year. Additionally, those residents previously excluded from the CDCP will be allowed to apply for enrollment this year.
The Canada Dental Benefit was initiated by the Government of Canada as a stop-gap measure to help with paying for children’s dental care while the CDCP rolls out.
Under the Canada Dental Benefit program, families got a direct payment of up to $650 for each eligible child to cover out-of-pocket dental care costs during the first and second benefit periods that ran between Oct. 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024.
Are Those Eligible for CBD Eligible for CDCP?
Criteria for the CDB is more exhaustive than for the CBCP plan. Families were required to meet all of the criteria for each child they submit an application for. The criteria list for the CBD was as follows:
- The child must be under 12 years old as of July 1, 2023.
- The child must not have access to dental insurance through a parent, family member, or guardian’s employer.
- The family adjusted net income is under $90,000 a year.
- The applicant, which is the parent or guardian, must have filed a tax and benefit return for the previous year.
- You must be the parent or legal guardian of the child on the application.
- You must have dental care expenses that have occurred that are not fully reimbursed by another federal, territorial, or provincial government program.
Provided required information on the oral health care visit in Canada. The visit must have occurred between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 for the second benefit period.
The CBD Verification Process
Verification of eligibility was mostly an up-front process. A review was done of the family’s previous year’s tax file to determine adjusted family net income. They also looked at the child’s birthday and the date of the application and whether the child was already receiving the Canada Child Benefit.
Aspects about the dental appointment were verified including the date of the dental appointment, and the dental provider’s name, address, and phone number. The parent or guardian’s employer’s name, address, and telephone number was verified, along with those of a spouse or common-law partner.
The Difference with CDCP
There are four criteria to be eligible for the CDCP. All family members are eligible if the family qualifies, so the age restrictions aren’t in place for this program.
The main criteria of being a Canadian resident, filing a previous year’s tax return, and having adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 is the same in the CDCP as it was under CBD.
The fourth criteria is critical. Applicants must not have access to private dental insurance, either through an employer, a spouse’s or common-law partner’s employer, trade group, professional group, or school organization. That means you can’t get it even if you are willing to pay a premium.
Eligibility for CDCP doesn’t include those who opt-out of dental insurance through an employer, professional or trade group, or school organization or those who could get it if they paid a premium.
Keeping Records
It is important for parents and legal guardians to keep dental receipts for their children’s oral health care for six years. This includes receipts for dental services covering the first benefit period beginning Oct. 1, 2022 and for the second benefit period that runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
The CRA could contact you to check eligibility so the receipts would be needed. Those found to be ineligible after they received reimbursement payment will be mandated to repay the benefit. That could happen this year as everyone moves to the CDCP.
Applicants are also expected to keep their mailing address and phone number up-to-date with the CRA.
Coverage under CDB and CDCP
Both programs allow for those in other government social programs to apply and be eligible.
Those covered by provincial or territorial programs are eligible because not all programs cover dental care for children. Those applying should first check with their provincial or territorial programs to see what is covered before applying. Those who don’t have out-of-pocket expenses for their children’s dental needs were not eligible for the CDB but could be eligible for CDCP.
Additionally, some covered by the Non-Insured Health Benefits program are also eligible. Parents that have to pay additionally or who have some services excluded from the NIHB for registered First Nations and Inuit can apply for the CDCP just as they applied for the CBD.
Both types of programs require oral care health be done by a licensed, regulated, oral health care professional practising in a the place where care is provided. You should always get a receipt for your records.
The CBD allowed for reimbursement of up to $650 for each eligible child per benefit period. The amount reimbursed was based on an income scale from below $70,000 to $89,000 with amounts topping at $650 and reaching a base amount of $260.
The CBD benefit was tax-free and will not reduce other federal benefits.
The CDCP plan pays for most basic dental care without requiring out-of-pocket expenses. It also doesn’t affect tax filings as long as you file yearly with your eligible adjusted family net income of less than $90,000.
Keeping Records
It is important for parents and legal guardians to keep dental receipts for their children’s oral health care for six years even though the CBD ended. This includes receipts for dental services covering the first benefit period that began Oct. 1, 2022 and ran until July 1, 2023 and the second benefit period that ran from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
The CRA could contact you to check eligibility so the receipts would be needed. Those found to be ineligible after they received reimbursement payment will be mandated to repay the benefit.
Applicants are also expected to keep their mailing address and phone number up-to-date with the CRA, even though benefits ended. It’s good to keep records related to the CDCP plan also in case there are questions.
Like the CBD, those who falsified statements or are later found ineligible will be removed from the plan. Those ineligible and receiving CDCP benefits will be required to repay services in full.
How to Apply for the CDCP
It is encouraged to apply for the CDCP online.
Those who lack internet or computer access can apply through the automated telephone system at 1-833-537-4342 or TTY at 1-833-677-6262. Representatives are available weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time to answer questions.
