Explaining the Canada Dental Benefit Program
Keeping the structures of your mouth healthy is just one component of living well, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t significant. Like mental health and heart health, dental health can lead to minor and major consequences if you don’t take the time to prioritize it.
With that said, oral healthcare can be expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance coverage or you can’t readily pay out of pocket — this is where the Canada Dental Benefits program comes into play. This program is meant to aid Canadian families in their smile endeavors, helping them access the services that parents and children both need.
The Details of the Program
The primary purpose of this plan is to reduce the costs associated with acquiring dental treatment. It applies to families with children who are earning under $90,000 each year.
1.Eligibility
If you’re interested in acquiring Canada dental benefits, you may be eligible according to when the children in your family get oral health treatment. The two periods are:
- Between October 1st, 2022 – June 20th, 2023
- or between July 1st, 2023 – June 30th, 2024
Do note that if you’re looking to benefit from the second period, your child must have been born on or after July 2nd, 2011; in other words, they must be under 12 years of age. Furthermore, your child cannot be receiving care via a private insurance plan. Other factors impacting candidacy include having submitted your taxes in 2022 and you are a single parent.
Individuals must meet all the necessary criteria to be considered for this particular plan. To learn more, visit the Government of Canada’s official website.
2.Benefit Amounts
How much can families expect to receive? The short answer is it depends on your income. Families can earn up to two payments for each child; these are tax-free. This is outlined more comprehensively below:
| Family Income (*adjusted) | Full Custody | Shared Custody |
|---|---|---|
| < $70,000 | $650 | $325 |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | $390 | $195 |
| $80,000 – $89,000 | $260 | $130 |
| $90,000 or > | Ineligible | Ineligible |
The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) will calculate your adjusted family income on your behalf.
3. How to Apply
It’s up to you; you can apply for each child separately or simultaneously.
Note: June 30th, 2024, by 11:59 pm, is the final day to submit your application.
Or, if you prefer, you can apply via your CRA account, which can be quicker. You will need to have the following information available to do so:
- The name of your child’s dentist, the address of their practice, and phone #
- The date of your child’s next scheduled appointment
- Your employer’s name, work address, and phone #
- Your common-law partner’s employer’s name, work address, and phone # (only if this is applicable)
This can all be done over the phone as well.
4. When You Can Expect Payment
If you send your application for Canada’s dental plan through the mail, you’ll receive a cheque after 10 or so business days; if you submit online, a direct deposit is made in approximately 5 days.
Again, this payment is tax-free, so you don’t need to report it when filling out your tax forms.
Need Dental Assistance? We Can Help
If you’re interested in learning more about paying for your child’s appointment, you’re encouraged to consider applying for Canada’s dental benefits plan for adults and their families. Additionally, the staff here at our neighborhood dental office in Inglewood is ready to help you however you need, whether that’s explaining a treatment from beginning to end, scheduling an appointment, or supplying you with the information you need to fill out insurance paperwork.
Call today to speak to one of our experts; we’re here to help you preserve your family’s beautiful smile.