How to apply

Applications are open for the second benefit period. If you have more than one eligible child, you can apply for all of them at the same time or separately.

On this page

• Current period
• Apply with the CRA
• When to expect your payment
• Impact on your taxes

Current period

If you are eligible, the current period you can apply for is:

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 you can apply is Sunday, June 30, 2024 (11:59 pm PT).

Previous period: October 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023

You can no longer apply for this period.

The last day to apply for the first benefit period was June 30, 2023.

If you are applying for dental costs over $650 in the previous period, applications are now open for the additional payment for period 1.

Apply with the CRA

Applying online using CRA My Account is the fastest way to get your payment. Make sure you're ready to apply.

1. Get your information ready

   To apply, you will need your:

   • child's dental care provider's name, address and telephone number
   • child's dental appointment date
   • employer's name, address, and telephone number (if applicable)
   • spouse or common-law partner's employer's name, address, and telephone number (if applicable)

2. Apply online or by phone

   Read the privacy statement

   Personal information (including the SIN) is collected under the authority of the Canada Dental Benefit Act and will be used to administer and enforce this act, including taking compliance activities. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will use the personal information you provide to us, as well as information accessed from your tax and Canada Child Benefit files, for the purposes of (i) administering your application, and could be used for (ii) issuing a payment to you, (iii) verifying that you meet the program's eligibility requirements, and to (iv) collect any overpayments or erroneous payments that may have been issued to you. Your personal information may also be disclosed to other federal, provincial, territorial or aboriginal government institutions to the extent authorized by law. Failure to provide information will affect our ability to process your application.

   Personal information will be described in personal information bank (CRA PPU 644) and published on Information about Programs and Information Holdings. Under the Privacy Act, individuals have a right of protection, access to and correction or notation of their personal information and to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding the Canada Revenue Agency's handling of their information.

   Online:

   5 to 10 days average payment processing time

   Apply using your CRA My Account

   If you do not have a CRA My Account

   You can apply by phone right away. You can also register for a CRA My Account to apply online. To complete the My Account registration, you will receive a security code in the mail.

   By phone:

   5 to 10 days average payment processing time

   Apply by phone or TTY

   To confirm your identity, you'll need your:

   • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
   • full name and date of birth
   • complete address
   • assessed tax return, notice of assessment or reassessment, other tax document, or be signed in to CRA My Account

   If you call on behalf of someone else

   If you are the friend or family member of someone who needs assistance applying over the phone and you are calling on their behalf, they must be present on the call to give their consent.

   You will also be asked to verify your own identity when you call.

   Telephone number

   1-800-715-8836 (opens up phone application)1-800-715-8836

   • Wait time: Wait times are not available --
     Updated: Wait times are not available -- ET

   TTY number

   If you use a teletypewriter:
   1-800-665-0354 (opens up tty application) 1-800-665-0354

   If you use an operator-assisted relay service, call:
   1-800-715-8836 (opens up phone application)1-800-715-8836

   Hours

3. Keep your dental care receipts

   Keep your receipts for 6 years in case the CRA needs to validate your eligibility. You do not need to call us if your child's dental appointment is rescheduled within the same benefit period.

   If your application needs validation

   Make sure your mailing address is up to date. The CRA may need to contact you by mail to validate your application. You must respond within 30 days or you may be asked to repay.

When to expect your payment

If you're eligible for the Canada Dental Benefit, your payment amount will be based on your adjusted family net income and the number of children you are applying for.

Standard processing times

Direct deposit

Direct deposit takes up to 5 business days if you have it set up with the CRA.

By mail

A mailed cheque should arrive in about 10 business days.

Impact on your taxes

The Canada Dental Benefit payment is not taxable. You do not need to report it as income on your tax return.

If you claim dental costs as medical expenses for your child on line 33099, you can only claim expenses that have not or will not be reimbursed. This means you will need to deduct your Canada Dental Benefit payment from any dental costs you claim as medical expenses for your child.

For details: Eligible medical expenses you can claim on your tax return