Applications for dental treatment cost support for children from low-income and middle-income families began on the 1st.
The program, which is retroactively applied from October 1 this year, focuses on supporting children under the age of 12 from families with an annual income of less than $90,000.
A tax-free subsidy of $650 per child for households with a net income of less than $70,000 per year, $390 per child for households between $70,000 and $80,000, and $260 per child for households earning less than $80,000 to $90,000 are tax-free.
To take advantage of this assistance program, parents or guardians must apply to the Internal Revenue Service (CRA) and check a few facts.
You can apply by accessing ‘My Account’ or ‘My Service Canada Account’ on the IRS website (www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html). Search for ‘Canada Dental Benefit’ on the federal government website (www.canada.ca) for more information on how to apply. You can also apply by phone (1-800-715-8836).
To apply, you must enter the date of your appointment and information about the doctor of the desired dental hospital. You can also choose the dental clinic you usually use.
However, children of applicants who have subscribed to private dental insurance cannot benefit, and the IRS may request a receipt for dental treatment to prove the use of the subsidy later. Penalties may apply for providing false information.
Because the system is based on child support benefit information the government already has, parents do not have to enter their children’s information separately, just select the number of children under the age of 12 who need medical assistance.
It takes 5 business days to receive payment through a bank account, and about 5 to 10 days if received by check.
Meanwhile, this measure is the first step of the national dental support policy, and the federal government plans to expand the beneficiaries to those under the age of 18, the elderly and the disabled by next year.