Canada Dental Benefit Now Available
Did you know that tooth decay is the most common, yet preventable, childhood chronic disease both in Canada and around the world?
In 2010, 57% of children in Canada aged 6-11 were reported as having had a cavity. Oral diseases start early - frequently in preschool years - which is why it is so important to establish good dental care habits as early as possible.
That’s why our government has implemented the temporary Canada Dental Benefit, which is a part of the government’s affordability plan designed to help families access affordable dental care. With this benefit, families can start addressing some of the basic dental care that their young children need.
The Canada Dental Benefit is now available for families with children under 12 who have an adjusted net income of less than $90,000, and who do not have access to private dental insurance.
This benefit will grant eligible families up-front, direct payments totalling up to $1,300 per child (up to $650 per year, for two years) for them to access dental care services in accordance with the below:
$650 is provided for each eligible child, per year, if the family’s adjusted net income is under $70,000.
$390 is provided for each eligible child, per year, if the family’s adjusted net income is between $70,000 and $79,999.
$260 is provided for each eligible child, per year, if the family’s adjusted net income is between $80,000 and $89,999.
The benefit will be in place until 2024, while the work towards a long-term, national dental care program continues.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is leveraging its experience and best practices in delivering essential benefits to Canadians, to administer this new benefit on behalf of the Government of Canada. You can now apply for the benefit, which extends to dental care received by eligible children between October 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.
Eligible families can quickly, easily and securely apply for the Canada Dental Benefit in CRA My Account (which can also be accessed via ESDC’s My Service Canada Account), or by calling the dedicated phone line at 1-800-715-8836. If you apply online and are signed up for direct deposit, you can get your payment within 5 business days.
It is important to note that in order to receive the Canada Dental Benefit, you will need to make sure you have filed your 2021 tax return.
To make sure you can get your payment quickly, ensure your address, marital status, direct deposit and child information are up to date in CRA My Account.
