The Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) offers eligible Canadian families financial support to cover dental care costs for their children. As of 2024, each eligible child can receive up to $650 in dental benefits through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), with an opportunity to claim this amount twice. This initiative is part of the Canadian government’s broader effort to improve access to dental care for low- and middle-income families.
This article explains how to claim the $650 dental benefit twice per child, eligibility criteria, and important details about the claiming process.
$650 Dental Benefit for Canadian Children
Introduced as part of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the $650 dental benefit is designed to cover essential dental care expenses for children under 12 years old. The benefit provides financial relief for families who may otherwise struggle to afford basic dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, and check-ups.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the $650 dental benefit, families must meet specific criteria. These include income thresholds, age limits, and residency requirements.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Child Age | Under 12 years old |
| Household Income | Less than $90,000 annually |
| Residency | Canadian resident for tax purposes |
| Eligible Parent | Must be receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) |
| Dental Care Expenses | Must have out-of-pocket dental expenses |
Claiming the $650 Dental Benefit Twice
Eligible families can claim the $650 dental benefit twice per child in a single year, with each claim covering separate dental care periods. Below is the step-by-step process to claim the benefit.
1. Initial Claim:
The first $650 claim is made to cover dental expenses for the first period. Families need to provide documentation of the dental care costs and apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) portal or by mail.
2. Second Claim:
The second claim can be made for a different dental care period. However, the total amount claimed for both periods cannot exceed $1,300 per child annually. To initiate the second claim, families must provide additional documentation for the second period of dental care services.
3. Documentation:
For each claim, families need to keep records of dental receipts, including the date, nature of the dental services, and the amount paid.
4. CRA Submission:
Claims can be submitted through the CRA’s My Account online portal, or families can choose to send their application by mail with the necessary documentation.
Key Dates for the $650 Dental Benefit
| Time Period | Eligible Claim Period | Maximum Claim Per Child |
|---|---|---|
| January 2024 – June 2024 | 1st Claim for Dental Expenses | $650 |
| July 2024 – December 2024 | 2nd Claim for Dental Expenses | $650 |
$650 Dental Benefit by Household Income
The amount of dental benefit received may depend on the household income, though families earning under $70,000 receive the full $650 per child, per period. Here’s a breakdown:
| Household Income | Dental Benefit Per Child |
|---|---|
| $0 – $70,000 | $650 |
| $70,001 – $79,999 | $400 |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | $260 |
| Above $90,000 | Not Eligible |
Claiming Process Chart
The following chart outlines the two-claim process for the $650 dental benefit:
- First Claim (January–June)
- Submit receipts
- Maximum amount: $650
- Second Claim (July–December)
- Submit new receipts
- Maximum amount: $650
Conclusion
The $650 dental benefit for Canadian children is a significant resource for low- and middle-income families, helping to cover the essential costs of dental care. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can ensure that your children receive the dental services they need while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. Remember to claim twice per child to maximize the benefit, up to $1,300 annually.
FAQs
1. Can I claim the dental benefit for both of my children?
- Yes, if you have more than one eligible child, you can claim the $650 benefit for each child separately.
2. What dental services are covered by the $650 benefit?
- The benefit covers essential dental services, such as cleanings, fillings, x-rays, and preventive care.
3. Can I make the second claim without using the full $650 from the first claim?
- Yes, as long as the total amount for both claims does not exceed $1,300 annually per child.
4. What if my child does not need $650 worth of dental care in one period?
- You can still claim up to $650, but the amount will be based on your actual out-of-pocket expenses. The remaining balance can be claimed in the second period, provided you do not exceed the annual maximum of $1,300.
5. How long does it take to process a dental benefit claim?
- Claims are generally processed within 10 to 15 business days when submitted online. Paper applications may take longer.