How to apply
On this page
When can you apply
Applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will open in phases. Check the eligibility criteria before applying.
Answer a couple of questions to find out when you can apply.
| Group | Applications open |
|---|---|
| Seniors aged 87 and above | As of December 2023 |
| Seniors aged 77 to 86 | Starting January 2024 |
| Seniors aged 72 to 76 | Starting February 2024 |
| Seniors aged 70 to 71 | Starting March 2024 |
| Seniors aged 65 to 69 | Starting May 2024 |
| Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate | Starting June 2024 |
| Children under the age of 18 | Starting June 2024 |
| All remaining eligible Canadian residents | Starting 2025 |
Current status
Starting in mid-December 2023, letters will be mailed to seniors aged 87 and above who may qualify, followed by those aged 77 to 86 in January 2024, then those aged 72 to 76 in February 2024 and those aged 70 to 71 in March 2024. These letters will include a personalized application code and instructions on how to apply.
If you receive a letter
- Follow the instructions in the letter to apply by phone.
- Wait for Service Canada to let you know if you qualify for the CDCP.
- If you do qualify, wait to receive your welcome package from Sun Life before scheduling any dental appointments. It will explain how and when you can get your care paid for.
If you're eligible to apply but have not received a letter
Invitation letters will be sent out in phases beginning in December 2023. All letters are expected to be delivered by the end of March 2024.
These letters will be sent to the address you used in your 2022 tax return and only if you have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. If you have not filed your 2022 taxes, you may not receive a letter in the mail. If your address is out of date, you should contact the Canada Revenue Agency to update your file.
If you are eligible to apply starting in May 2024
People who are eligible to apply starting in May 2024 will be able to do so online. More information on how to apply online will be added at a later date.
If someone is helping you to apply
You can apply for the CDCP with the help of a trusted person or a delegate.
Applying with the help of a trusted person
You can ask a trusted person to help you apply by phone or visiting us at a Service Canada office. You must give clear consent that you agree to let them help you. This could be a:
- friend
- relative
- caregiver
- translator, or
- interpreter
Applying through a delegate
Delegates are individuals who have the legal authority to represent you and make decisions on your behalf.
They can represent you if they’re listed as your delegate on documents such as:
- Powers of attorney/mandates, or
- Trusteeships
Before you apply for the CDCP, delegates must provide the powers of attorney, mandates or trusteeship documents that prove they have legal authority to represent you. Original documents or certified copies can be sent by mail or submitted in person at any Service Canada office.
Once the documents have been processed, a representative will contact the delegate to let them know we’ve accepted and added the documents to your file. Once they receive this confirmation, the delegate can apply for the CDCP on your behalf.
Submit your proof of delegate documents:
By mail
If you or the delegate are sending the documents by mail, please include a cover letter that details:
- the applicant’s full name
- the applicant’s Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- a statement that the documents are being submitted for the CDCP
- the delegate’s phone number and
- a return address for us to send the original documents or certified copies back to once we’ve processed them
| Province/Region | Mailing address |
|---|---|
Atlantic Canada |
Service Canada |
Quebec |
Service Canada |
Ontario |
Service Canada |
Western Canada and Territories |
Service Canada |
In person
If you or the delegate provide the documents at a Service Canada office, please come prepared with:
- the applicant’s full name, and
- the applicant’s Social Insurance Number (SIN)
We will take a copy of your documents and send them to our processing team.
Contact us
You may contact us to get more information about the CDCP or make changes to your application.