The federal government’s Canada Dental Benefit 2023-24 program is back, offering financial assistance for families in need of dental care support.
If you have a child under 12 years old and your family earns less than $90,000 annually, you may be eligible for this interim benefit.
Budget 2023 has allocated $13 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $4.4 billion ongoing, to implement the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The CDCP will support up to 9 million uninsured Canadians with an annual family income below $90,000.
Those with family incomes under $70,000 will have no co-pays. Meaning families with an income of less than $70,000 annually will not have to make any additional payments, known as co-pays, for dental care under the Canada Dental Benefit 2023 program.
This means that eligible dental care expenses for their children will be fully covered by the benefit, without any out-of-pocket costs.
In this article, we’ll break down who is eligible for Canada’s Dental Benefit Payment, and if You are eligible, We will walk you through the application process step-by-step, making it easy for you to apply and save on your child’s dental care expenses.
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What is Canada Dental Benefit 2023-24?
The Canada Dental Benefit 2023-24 program aims to reduce the burden of dental care costs for families with children under 12 and an annual income below $90,000.
- Benefit Amount: Eligible families can receive up to $650 per child for dental care expenses in the next calendar year.
Relevant Article: Canada’s Workers Benefit Payments Start Rolling Out, Are you Eligible for CWB Payments?
Who Can Apply for Canada Dental Benefit?
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the benefit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your child is under 12 years old as of July 1, 2023.
- Your child does not have access to private dental insurance.
- Your child’s dental costs are not fully covered by any other government dental program.
- Your adjusted family net income was less than $90,000 in 2022.
- You have filed your 2022 taxes and no one has applied for the benefit for the 2022-2023 period.
- You are the sole recipient of the Canada Child Benefit for your child as of July 1, 2023, or have shared custody and receive half of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
Information Required to Apply for Canada Dental Benefit:
To confirm your identity, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Full name and date of birth
- Complete address
- An assessed tax return, notice of assessment, reassessment, other tax document, or be signed in to CRA My Account.
How to Apply for Canada Dental Benefit?
Applications are open for the second benefit period. You can apply for all eligible children at the same time or separately.
Current Period
- The current period for which you can apply is from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
- This is the final period of the interim Canada Dental Benefit.
- You may also apply for the additional payment for either benefit period.
- The last day to apply is Sunday, June 30, 2024 (11:59 pm PT).
a) Online Portal:
- The fastest way to get your payment is by applying online using CRA My Account.
- Make sure you have the necessary information ready before applying, such as dental care provider’s details, appointment date, and employer information.
- Log into your “My Account” with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Provide attestation statements to evaluate your eligibility.
- Answer a series of security questions to validate your identification.
b) Apply Online Through Phone:
If you do not have a CRA My Account
- You can apply by phone right away.
- Register for a CRA My Account to apply online (you will receive a security code in the mail).
Benefit Amount Based on Income
The benefit amount varies based on your adjusted family net income in 2022:
- Less than $70,000: $650 for full custody, $325 for shared custody
- $70,000 to $79,999: $390 for full custody, $195 for shared custody
- $80,000 to $89,999: $260 for full custody, $130 for shared custody
- $90,000 or more: Not eligible for the benefit.
Processing Time and Payment Options
- Processing Time: On average, the Canada Dental Benefit payments take 5-10 business days to process.
- Direct Deposit: If you have direct deposit set up with the CRA, the process may take up to five working days. For cheques sent by mail, expect the arrival time to be around ten business days. Patience is key!
Additional Application Details
Applicants may have the option of submitting their requests for the Canada Dental Benefit prior to their scheduled appointments. In this scenario, evidence of eligibility will be required, including contact information for the dental service provider, the date of the appointment, and information about employer and spouse or partner benefit coverage. Early bird gets the worm, right?
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the Canada Dental Benefit phone number?
- The specific phone number for the Canada Dental Benefit may vary by region. Please refer to the official Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website or contact your local CRA office to obtain the appropriate phone number for your location.
- How long does the application process take?
- The application process itself can be completed quickly online or over the phone, typically in just a few minutes. Once submitted, the processing time for Canada Dental Benefit payments averages 5-10 business days. If you have direct deposit set up with the CRA, the process might take up to five working days, while cheques sent by mail may take around ten business days.
- What if my child turns 12 during the eligibility period?
- As long as your child is under the age of 12 as of July 1, 2023, you will be eligible to apply for the benefit for the 2023-24 period. The child’s age as of the start date of the benefit period is what determines eligibility.
- Can I apply if I have partial custody of my child?
- Yes, you can apply if you have shared custody of your child and receive half of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for your child as of July 1, 2023. The benefit amount for shared custody will be half of the full custody amount.
- How can I ensure that I receive the benefit as quickly as possible?
- To receive the benefit as quickly as possible, ensure that all your information is accurate and complete at the time of application. Opting for direct deposit with the CRA can also expedite the process. Keep a close eye on your online CRA account for updates, and consider contacting the dedicated Canada Dental Benefit phone line if you have any specific questions or concerns.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive financial support for your child’s dental care needs. Apply now for the Canada Dental Benefit 2023-24 and ease the burden of dental expenses. The process is simple, and the benefits are significant. Remember, timely action ensures a healthy smile for your child and peace of mind for you. Ready to take the first step towards a brighter smile?
