Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Eligibility & Income Guide 2026

Exhaustive legal and financial guide to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): Sun Life administration, $90,000 adjusted family net income threshold, co-payment tiers, and application steps.

Executive Summary & CDCP National Program Scope

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government benefit program administered by Sun Life that provides dental coverage to eligible Canadian residents who have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 CAD and no access to private dental insurance.

Key Rule Benchmark

Income Cap: Adjusted family net income must be under $90,000 CAD per year

Key Rule Benchmark

Zero Private Insurance Rule: Must NOT have access to employer, pension, or private dental coverage

Key Rule Benchmark

Sun Life Direct Billing: Participating dental providers bill Sun Life directly for covered fees

Key Rule Benchmark

100% Phased Rollout Complete: Open to all eligible Canadian seniors, adults, and children

1. CDCP Adjusted Family Net Income Co-Payment Tiers

CDCP co-payment percentages are calculated based on your line 23600 family net income.

Adjusted Family Net Income Bracket	CDCP Plan Coverage (of CDCP Fee Schedule)	Patient Co-Payment Share	Annual Tax Filing Mandate
Under $70,000 CAD	100% Covered	0% Co-pay ($0)	Mandatory prior year CRA tax return
$70,000 to $79,999 CAD	60% Covered	40% Patient Co-pay	Mandatory prior year CRA tax return
$80,000 to $89,999 CAD	40% Covered	60% Patient Co-pay	Mandatory prior year CRA tax return
$90,000 CAD or Higher	0% (Not Eligible)	100% Patient Cost	Ineligible due to income cap

2. Step-by-Step CDCP Enrollment & Claim Checklist

Follow this checklist to apply for CDCP dental benefits through Service Canada:

Actionable Healthcare Checklist

Ensure both you and your spouse/partner filed your Canadian tax return for the previous tax year.
Verify you do NOT have access to dental insurance through an employer, school, or pension plan.
Submit your application online via Service Canada or by calling 1-833-537-4342.
Upon receiving your Sun Life CDCP Member Card, confirm your dentist accepts CDCP direct billing before treatment.

3. Balance Billing Warning for Dental Patients

If your dental provider charges fees higher than the official CDCP fee schedule, you must pay the difference out-of-pocket.

Always ask your dental clinic for a pre-treatment cost estimate to verify if they accept the official CDCP fee schedule or charge extra balance billing.