---
title: "CDCP 2026-27: How to Apply for Dental Coverage"
locale: en
category: policy_guide
category_name: "Policy Guide"
translation_status: reviewed
license: cc_by
author: "OnBinder Editorial Team"
source_url: https://onbinder.com/en/articles/cdcp-2026-27-canada-dental-care-application
published_at: 2026-09-19T07:57:32+09:00
---

# CDCP 2026-27: How to Apply for Dental Coverage

> CDCP 2026-27 applicants must meet four requirements, including rules on access to private dental insurance. After filing your 2025 tax return, apply through the official online portal and check your individual coverage start date before receiving dental care.

## Key Points

- Check your access to private dental insurance, tax filing status, family income, and tax residency requirements.
- Check your and your spouse's T4 and T4A forms and 2025 Notices of Assessment.
- Prepare your SIN, date of birth, address, and information about any existing public dental coverage.
- Apply through MSCA or the dedicated Service Canada page.
- Confirm your application result and coverage start date, then check whether the dental clinic offers direct billing.

You can apply online for CDCP 2026-27 if you meet four eligibility requirements. Have your SIN and 2025 tax return information ready. Even if you missed the June 1 renewal deadline, you can reapply through MSCA or Service Canada.

The figures and dates are based on Canada.ca's 2026-27 information and August 2026 coverage guidance.

## Application periods and details by situation

Applications are open for new 2026-27 applicants and for people who missed their renewal and need to reapply. CDCP is the abbreviation for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The benefit year runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Each person's coverage start date is determined separately.

| Current situation | Applicable dates | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Applying for the first time | New applications accepted starting June 2, 2026 | Check eligibility, then apply |
| Existing member who renewed by the deadline | Renewal period was from April 15 to June 1, 2026 | Check the renewal result and coverage status |
| Existing member who did not renew by June 1, 2026 | Can reapply starting June 2, 2026 | Reapply using the new application process |

June 1 in Canada is the renewal deadline for existing members. It should not be interpreted as the deadline for all new applications. Dental expenses incurred during a coverage gap caused by a missed renewal are not covered retroactively. See the [2026 renewal schedule announcement](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2026/04/canadian-dental-care-plan-renewal-season-opens-april-15.html).

> Applications are open for the 2026-2027 benefit year.

This application information is stated on Canada.ca's [Apply - Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html) page.

## Four eligibility requirements

You must meet all the requirements below to apply. Meeting only the income requirement does not make you eligible. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, check their information as well.

| Requirement | What to check |
|---|---|
| No access to private dental insurance | Whether dental coverage is available through employment, a pension, family, a group, or an individual purchase |
| Previous year's tax return | You and your spouse must have filed your 2025 Canadian tax returns |
| Adjusted family net income | Less than 90,000 Canadian dollars per year |
| Residency for tax purposes | You and your spouse must be Canadian residents for tax purposes |

Even if you are not enrolled in insurance, you are generally ineligible if it is available to you. The same applies even if you must pay premiums or the coverage is limited. Dental coverage under public social programs, such as provincial programs, may be coordinated separately.

### How do I check adjusted family net income?

Adjusted family net income is calculated using the tax return information of you and your spouse. Do not determine it based only on your individual salary or the monthly pay deposited into your bank account. The following items are used in the calculation.

| Calculation step | Tax return item |
|---|---|
| Add | Your and your spouse's net incomes, line 23600 |
| Subtract | Universal Child Care Benefit and Registered Disability Savings Plan amounts received, line 11700 and line 12500 |
| Add | Repayments of the two items above, corresponding amounts on line 21300 and line 23200 |

If the amount is exactly 90,000 Canadian dollars, you do not meet the income requirement. The official threshold is "less than." Detailed requirements and the calculation formula are available on [Do you qualify](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/qualify.html).

## Information to prepare before applying

Prepare information for each applicant along with your spouse's information. A Notice of Assessment is a notice showing the results of the review of your tax return. Confirm not only that the tax return was filed, but also that this notice was received.

- Full name and date of birth
- SIN, which is the Social Insurance Number, and for children if they have one
- Residential address and mailing address
- Your and your spouse's 2025 Notice of Assessment
- Information about dental coverage under government social programs in which you are enrolled
- Insurance indicators on your and your spouse's T4 or T4A

The T4 and T4A are used to check whether insurance is available to you. They serve a different purpose from the Notice of Assessment. Check the application preparation requirements based on the [Canada.ca application guide](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html).

## Checking dental insurance on a T4 or T4A

Employees should check box 45 on the T4. Pension recipients should check box 015 on the T4A. Check your spouse's documents as well.

| Code | Who can access the insurance |
|---|---|
| 1 | No access to dental insurance through that employment or pension |
| 2 | The person named on the document |
| 3 | The person, spouse, and dependent children |
| 4 | The person and spouse |
| 5 | The person and dependent children |

Code 1 does not mean there is no insurance available through other sources. Individual or group insurance must also be checked separately. The scope of each code is explained in the [Canada Revenue Agency's T4 completion guide](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/completing-filing-information-returns/t4-information-employers/t4-slip.html).

## How to apply online

You can use MSCA or the dedicated Service Canada application page. MSCA is the abbreviation for My Service Canada Account. If using an account is difficult, choose the Canada.ca application route.

| Application route | How to use it | Follow-up features |
|---|---|---|
| MSCA | Sign in or create an account, then apply | Manage notices, eligibility, and personal information |
| Dedicated Canada.ca page | Apply through the dedicated page in the official application guide | Check application status using a separate online tool |

1. Check the eligibility and required information for you and your spouse.
2. Sign in to MSCA or create an account.
3. Select `Canadian Dental Care Plan` on the dashboard.
4. Select `Apply for Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage`.
5. Enter the information as instructed on the screen and submit the application.
6. Keep the application code you receive after submission.

If MSCA is difficult to use, select `Apply using Canada.ca`. This button connects to Service Canada's dedicated application page. Account menu options are explained in the [CDCP in MSCA guide](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/my-account/cdcp.html).

If online access is difficult, call 1-833-537-4342. The TTY number is 1-833-677-6262. A phone application made with help from an interpreter or another person requires your clear consent.

## Checking approval and the coverage start date after applying

Before receiving treatment, check the individual coverage start date in your approval notice. The application submission date is not the coverage start date. The notice also shows your member number and copayment level.

1. Check your application status using your application code or member number and SIN.
2. Check the notice under `View my letters` in MSCA.
3. Proceed with booking an appointment after the coverage start date.
4. At every visit, confirm with the dental provider that your current coverage is active.

Sun Life sends an information package by mail containing a physical member card. If you have the required membership information and identification, you can use the coverage before the card arrives. However, treatment received before the coverage start date is not covered. Detailed conditions are available on [After you apply](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/after-apply.html).

## Comparing coverage and out-of-pocket costs

CDCP approval does not mean all dental expenses are fully covered. The coverage percentage applies to the fees established by CDCP. You may have to pay an additional amount for the difference between the dental provider's charge and the CDCP fee.

| Adjusted family net income, Canadian dollars | Percentage of CDCP fee covered | Copayment percentage of CDCP fee |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| 70,000-79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| 80,000-89,999 | 40% | 60% |

Examinations, X-rays, scaling, and fillings are among the covered services. Service-specific conditions also apply to root canals, extractions, and dentures. Crowns, partial dentures, and some other services require preauthorization. According to the August 27, 2026 guidance, orthodontic treatment is not provided.

| Item to check before treatment | What to ask the dental provider |
|---|---|
| Billing method | Whether the provider bills Sun Life directly |
| Service conditions | Covered services, frequency limits, and whether preauthorization is required |
| Actual amount you will pay | Income-based copayments, fee differences, and non-covered costs |

Even if you receive an estimate, the actual payment is based on the rules in effect when the treatment is provided. If you pay the full amount upfront, Sun Life will not reimburse you. Payment is made to the service provider. Check the cost rules on [What services are covered](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.html).

## Aligning documents with your current status after leaving or changing jobs

The past insurance indicator on a T4 may differ from your current insurance status. T4 box 45 shows whether insurance was available on December 31 of that year. Therefore, explaining only that you are currently uninsured may not provide enough evidence.

The following procedure organizes the official review requirements for application preparation.

1. Compare the insurance code on the T4 or T4A with your current insurance status.
2. If the insurance has ended, ask your employer or pension administrator for a confirmation letter.
3. Ask for the letter to state the insurance end date or the date access became unavailable.
4. Confirm that the name and member number on the CDCP application are correct.
5. Confirm the signature of an authorized representative.
6. If you receive an eligibility review notice, send the supporting documents by the specified deadline.

This procedure does not guarantee approval or create a separate eligibility exception. It is preparation to explain differences between documents. As instructed in the review notice, supporting documents must be sent within 45 days of the issue date. Check [Member eligibility review](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/member-eligibility-review.html) together with the notice you received.

## Common application and renewal mistakes

Do not assume that not using insurance or receiving approval in the past means you are currently eligible. CDCP reassesses eligibility every year. You may also undergo a separate review after enrollment.

| Common misinterpretation | What to check |
|---|---|
| I did not enroll in workplace insurance, so I can apply | Check whether the insurance is available to you |
| I can apply if I cancel pension dental insurance | You are generally excluded, with only a limited exception for opting out in the past |
| I was approved last year, so coverage continues | Renewal is required every year |
| I completed the application, so I can receive treatment immediately | Check your individual coverage start date |
| I must pay an application fee to apply | Official applications and renewals are free |

The pension insurance exception applies only to retirees who opted out before December 11, 2023. They must be unable to re-enroll in that insurance. They must also meet the other eligibility requirements.

Do not estimate the 2027-28 renewal schedule. Check MSCA and Canada.ca for the next renewal notice. Application and renewal updates are posted on the [official CDCP hub](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html).

## FAQ

### Can I still apply if I missed June 1, 2026?
Existing members can reapply through the new application process starting June 2, 2026. Care received during a gap in coverage will not be covered retroactively.

### Do I need an MSCA account?
Besides MSCA, you can also apply through the dedicated Service Canada page linked from Canada.ca. If you have difficulty applying online, you can also apply by phone.

### Does my spouse also need to file a tax return?
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, both of you must have filed your tax returns for the previous year. Before applying for 2026-27, confirm that you have received your 2025 Notice of Assessment.

### Am I ineligible even if I have not used my employer-provided insurance?
In principle, you are ineligible if you have access to employer-provided insurance. Eligibility is not determined solely by whether you have actually used it or chosen to enroll.

### Can I apply even if I have provincial dental coverage?
You may still be eligible even if you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal social program. Coverage may be coordinated to avoid duplicate payments.

### Can I apply if my child does not have a SIN?
The application instructions require you to provide your child's SIN if they have one. To check the status of a child without a SIN, use the child's name and date of birth.

### Am I eligible if my adjusted family net income is 90,000 Canadian dollars?
No. The income requirement is less than 90,000 Canadian dollars per year.

### If my co-payment rate is 0%, will I have no dental costs at all?
You may have to pay the difference if the dental fee is higher than the CDCP fee schedule. Also check separately for the cost of services that are not covered.

### Can I pay the full cost of treatment and then get reimbursed?
Sun Life does not reimburse CDCP members directly. Before treatment, confirm that the dental provider bills Sun Life directly.

### What should I do if the insurance indicator on my T4 differs from my current situation after changing jobs?
Ask your employer for documentation confirming whether you currently have access to insurance and the date the change took effect. If your eligibility is reassessed, you must submit supporting documents by the deadline in the notice.

## Sources

- [Canada.ca - Apply - Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html)
- [Service Canada - CDCP Online Application Screen](https://srv024.service.canada.ca/en/application)
- [Canada.ca - Do you qualify - Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/qualify.html)
- [Canada.ca - Canadian Dental Care Plan in MSCA](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/my-account/cdcp.html)
- [Canada.ca - Canadian Dental Care Plan renewal season opens April 15](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2026/04/canadian-dental-care-plan-renewal-season-opens-april-15.html)
- [Canada.ca - After you apply - Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/after-apply.html)
- [Canada.ca - What services are covered in the Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.html)
- [Canada.ca - Canadian Dental Care Plan - Member eligibility review](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/member-eligibility-review.html)
- [Canada Revenue Agency - T4 slip - Information for employers](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/completing-filing-information-returns/t4-information-employers/t4-slip.html)
- [Canada.ca - Canadian Dental Care Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html)

## Images

![Woman checking her smartphone at a dental clinic reception desk](https://onbinder.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTk5NjgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--845f5025f6ea084d155b78e09264f482620a5162/ai-b6c9dd5f.webp)
![Woman checking her phone at a dental reception desk with check marks, calendar, and tooth icons](https://onbinder.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTk5NzQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--de174f4e0a71b8b7b77b2e15ecf0c01a59bf46e0/ai-48137ff9.webp)