CDCP eligibility: do you qualify?
Last reviewed November 7, 2026
You qualify for the CDCP if you meet all four requirements: no access to dental insurance, a tax return filed in Canada for last year (by you and your spouse or common-law partner), an adjusted family net income under $90,000, and Canadian residency for tax purposes.
Quick eligibility checker
Answer four questions. Nothing is sent anywhere; the answer is calculated on this page.
The four requirements in detail
1. No access to dental insurance
You must not have access to private dental coverage. That includes plans through your job, your pension, a spouse's or parent's plan, and health spending accounts that cover dental. Paying a premium for coverage you never use still counts as access. Your T4 slip can help: box 45 code 1 (or T4A box 015) means your employer reported that you had no access.
2. Tax returns filed
You, and your spouse or common-law partner if you have one, must have filed a tax return in Canada for the previous year. This is how your income is confirmed.
3. Adjusted family net income under $90,000
Adjusted family net income is your family net income (line 23600, yours plus your spouse's or partner's) minus any Universal Child Care Benefit and Registered Disability Savings Plan income (lines 11700 and 12500), plus any of those amounts you repaid (lines 21300 and 23200).
4. Canadian residents for tax purposes
You and your spouse or partner must be residents of Canada for tax purposes.
Co-payment by income
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP pays | You pay (co-payment) |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% of the CDCP fee | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
| $90,000 or more | Not eligible | |
Eligibility is confirmed every year when you renew. Giving false information can lead to removal from the plan and having to repay benefits.
Source: Who can qualify, canada.ca (date modified 2026-09-22); What's covered, co-payments table (2026-08-27).