Keeping up with dental care can be expensive, especially for families with children. In 2022, to help family with these expenses, the Canadian federal government introduced the Canada Dental Benefit. This program helps families with the cost of dental care for their children.
What is the Canada Dental Benefit?
The Canada Dental Benefit is an interim government program that provides financial assistance to eligible families to help cover the cost of dental care for their children. The program is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is available to families who receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or certain other benefits from the CRA.
Who is eligible for the Canada Dental Benefit?
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must receive the Canada Child Benefit or certain other benefits from the CRA, such as the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit or the Canada Workers Benefit.
- Your child must be under the age of 12
- Your child must be living with you.
- Your child cannot be covered by a private dental benefit plan
- Your family income must not exceed $90,000 per year
- The eligible child must have dental services completed between October 2022 and June 2023
How much can families receive from the Canada Dental Benefit?
The amount that families can receive from the Dental Benefit program varies depending on their income and the number of eligible children in their household. The maximum amount a family can receive per eligible child is $650 per payment (up to 2 payments). Payments for reimbursement of eligible expenses can range from $260, $390, and $650 and are based on family income and eligible expenses.
Family income can not exceed $90,000 per year for children to be eligible for the benefit.
The Canada Dental Benefit covers a range of dental services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more, but it’s important to note that it is an interim program. This means it is only available temporarily until a more permanent program is passed through parliament.
How to apply for the Dental Benefit program?
If you are eligible for the Canada Dental Benefit, you will automatically receive a Dental Benefit eligibility certificate in the mail. This certificate will provide information on how to claim the benefit when you file your income tax and benefit return.
If you did not receive a Dental Benefit eligibility certificate but believe you are eligible for the program, you can visit the CRA website move forward with application.
The Canada Dental Benefit can provide much-needed financial assistance to families to help cover the cost of dental care for their children. If you believe you are eligible for the program but did not receive a Dental Benefit eligibility certificate, be sure to visit the CRA website to request one.
