Update 2025: Transition from the Canada Dental Benefit to the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

🔔 Update – December 2025

The Interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) officially ended on June 30, 2024. It has now been replaced by the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) , a new federal program providing expanded dental coverage for eligible Canadians.

If you previously applied for or received the Canada Dental Benefit, you may qualify for ongoing support through the Canada Dental Care Plan.

When You Can Apply

Applications Are Open

Eligible Canadians can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, subject to income, eligibility requirements, and verification through your most recent tax return.

🦷 What’s New Under the Canada Dental Care Plan (2025 Update)

For a full overview of how dental coverage fits into broader government support, see our guide on 2026 Canada benefit increases and new dental coverage.

The new Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) expands coverage beyond the original Canada Dental Benefit. It now offers ongoing dental coverage instead of a one-time payment, helping low- and middle-income Canadians access regular dental care. The plan is being rolled out in phases, starting with seniors and individuals with disabilities, and will gradually include other eligible age groups in 2025.

Families who previously received the Canada Dental Benefit will not need to reapply for the same program, but may be eligible to register for the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) through the Government of Canada’s official website.

As of late 2025, eligible seniors and persons with disabilities can already apply, with full enrollment for all income-qualified Canadians expected by mid-2026.

💬 Need help understanding how government benefits affect your taxes? Cloud Accounting & Tax Services Inc. | CLaTAX can help you navigate CRA filings and benefit claims.

Don’t Miss Out: Apply for Up to $650 Per Child with the Interim Canada Dental Benefit by June 30!

Don’t Miss Out: Apply for Up to $650 Per Child with the Interim Canada Dental Benefit by June 30!

The deadline to apply for the second and final benefit period of the interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) is rapidly approaching. Eligible families must apply by June 30, 2024. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure vital dental care funding for your children.

Canada dental be

The interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) offers up to $650 per child per year for dental care expenses. The benefit amount is based on Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) and can be split in cases of shared custody. Families with AFNI under $70,000 receive $650 for full custody and $325 for shared custody. Higher income levels receive reduced benefits, and those with AFNI over $90,000 are not eligible. Applications can be made online or by phone, with necessary documentation including dental care professional and employer details. Keep dental receipts for six years for CRA verification. Transition to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) begins after June 30, 2024.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Canada Dental Benefit, families must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: Children must be under 12 years old as of July 1, 2023.

• Income Threshold: Adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.

• Insurance Status: Children should not have access to private dental insurance.

• Expenses Incurred: Out-of-pocket expenses for dental care services must have been incurred between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, and not fully covered by another government program.

• Canada Child Benefit: The family must be receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for the child.

• Tax Compliance: The 2022 tax return must have been filed.

How Much Can You Get?

The Canada Dental Benefit provides eligible families with up-front, direct payments of up to $650 per child per year for dental care services. This means that over the two benefit periods, families can receive a total of up to $1,300 per eligible child.

"The benefit amount you can receive is determined by your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI)" – the Canada Revenue Agency

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Adjusted Family Net Income less than $70,000:

• Full-custody: $650

• Shared-custody: $325

• Adjusted Family Net Income $70,000 to $79,999:

• Full-custody: $390

• Shared-custody: $195

• Adjusted Family Net Income $80,000 to $89,999:

• Full-custody: $260

• Shared-custody: $130

• Adjusted Family Net Income $90,000 or more:

• Not eligible

If you applied for only one benefit period (either October 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, or July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024) and your child’s dental costs exceed $650 during that period, you can receive an additional payment equal to your original benefit amount.

How to Apply

Families can apply for the Canada Dental Benefit either online or by phone:

• Online Application: Apply through the Canada Revenue Agency’s My Account portal. If you are signed up for direct deposit, you can receive your payment within five to ten business days. Applications can be submitted online until midnight on June 30, 2024.

• Phone Application: Call 1-800-715-8836 to complete your application with an Canada Revenue Agency’s agent. Be prepared with your social insurance number, address, date of birth, and a copy of your most recently assessed tax return. Please note that the last day to apply by phone is June 29, 2024, as phone lines will be closed on June 30, 2024.

Required Documentation

When applying, parents or guardians will need to provide:

• Dental Care Provider Information: Name, address, and telephone number of the dental care professional.

• Employer Information: Name, address, and telephone number of your employer and your spouse’s or common-law partner’s employer.

• Dental Appointment Details: Date (or expected date) of the child’s dental appointment.

Applicants must also attest that the child does not have access to private or employer-sponsored dental care coverage, has received or will receive dental care services within the specified period, and that out-of-pocket costs were incurred that are not fully covered by provincial or territorial programs.

Record Keeping and Verification

Parents and guardians must retain dental receipts for six years in case the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) contacts them for verification. Failure to provide requested information may result in having to repay the benefit and ineligibility for the second benefit period. Applicants found ineligible during verification will be required to repay the benefit received.

Transition to the Canadian Dental Care Plan

The interim Canada Dental Benefit will remain in place until June 30, 2024. After this date, eligible children can transition to the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Applications for the CDCP for children under 18 will open in June 2024.

For more detailed information and to apply, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Don’t delay – ensure your child’s dental health is taken care of by applying for the Canada Dental Benefit before the June 30 deadline!

Note: This post was originally published in 2024 and updated in 2025 by Cloud Accounting & Tax Services Inc. | CLaTAX to reflect current federal dental benefits.