Ottawa: The first stage of the Canada Dental Benefit Bill C-31, the Cost of Living Relief Act, has officially become a law on Thursday night after receiving Royal Assent.
According to the information, the legislation delivers two targeted affordability measures for the Canadians who need it most: the Canada Dental Benefit and a one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit.
Now, this bill will provide eligible parents or guardians with up to $650 tax-free per year for two years to cover dental expenses for children under 12. This benefit, which will support an estimated 500,000 children, is available to families without access to private dental insurance and with an adjusted family net income under $90,000.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will begin receiving applications and processing payments for the benefit starting December 1, 2022.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “It’s official: We’re providing parents up to $1,300 – per child under 12 – for dental care services over the next 2 years, and we’re helping nearly 2 million renters make ends meet with a one-time $500 top-up. Our legislation to deliver this support just received Royal Assent.”