Renewing Your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Coverage

Why annual renewal is required

The CDCP isn't a one-and-done benefit — it requires yearly renewal. This annual check-in confirms you still meet the eligibility criteria, such as your income level and not having access to other dental insurance. Think of it like renewing an insurance policy each year. By renewing on time, your dental coverage continues without interruption into the next benefit period. If you don't renew, your CDCP coverage expires and you'll pay out of pocket until you're approved again. In short, renewing on time is how you avoid losing your dental benefits.

Key deadlines and coverage periods

Mark your calendar: the renewal window closes each year around June 1, which gives people time to file the previous year's taxes and receive their Notice of Assessment. The CDCP benefit year runs from July 1 to June 30 — for example, coverage renewed in spring 2026 runs to June 30, 2027.

• Renew before the deadline to avoid gaps. If you renew within the window and still qualify, your new coverage takes effect the day after the old period ends, so you won't notice any break in benefits.
• Your old coverage runs to June 30. Even if you renew right up to the deadline, your previous coverage stays active until June 30 of the current year.
• If you miss the window, you re-apply — you don't renew late. This is the important change to understand. Once the renewal window closes, renewal is no longer available for that year. If you had coverage and missed the deadline, you must submit a new application for the new benefit year through the Government of Canada's apply page. Your old coverage still ends June 30, and any dental care you receive after that — until your new coverage start date — won't be covered or reimbursed. Your new start date won't be backdated to July 1; it begins after your application is processed and approved.
• The renewal window opens in spring. It typically runs from around March until the early-June deadline, giving you time to file taxes first. Bottom line: don't wait until the last minute — renew as soon as you have your Notice of Assessment.

CDCP renewal methods: how to renew your coverage

If you're renewing within the window, you have several options:

• Online via Canada.ca (fastest): Use the renewal tool, or log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) and find the "Canadian Dental Care Plan" section on your dashboard. The online process walks you through confirming your info and submitting. Tip: use a modern browser with cookies and JavaScript enabled.
• By phone: Call the CDCP line at 1-833-537-4342. TTY is available at 1-833-677-6262. Have your SIN and CDCP Member ID handy.
• In person: Visit a Service Canada Centre for face-to-face help completing the same renewal. Bring your ID and information.
• By mail (if applicable): If you received a paper renewal form, you can complete and mail it back — well before the deadline to allow for mail delays. You don't need a paper form to renew if you go online or call.
• Having someone assist you: A trusted friend or family member can help you by phone with your consent. For a formal arrangement, a legal representative (e.g., power of attorney) can act as your authorized delegate after submitting proof of their authority to Service Canada.

What you need to renew (documents & info)

• A filed tax return for the previous year. You — and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable — must have filed last year's taxes and received your Notice of Assessment (NOA) before renewing. The CDCP verifies your household income internally via your SIN; you usually won't upload the NOA, but you can't renew without one on file.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN). Used to verify your identity and income. For children without a SIN, the system uses their name and date of birth.
• CDCP Member ID. Your unique plan number (different from your SIN), printed on your CDCP letter or card. It links your renewal to your existing file.
• Current address. Confirm or update it so your determination letter reaches you.
• Marital status. If you have a spouse/common-law partner, their income and tax filing count toward your adjusted family net income.
• Contact info. Keep your phone and email up to date.
• Any other dental coverage. You'll attest whether you have access to dental coverage through another government social program or private insurance.

For most people, no extra documents are required — eligibility is verified through your tax records. The exception is if someone is applying on your behalf as a delegate.

After you submit: what to expect

• Processing. Service Canada reviews your renewal, verifies your income through the CRA, and confirms you meet all CDCP eligibility criteria.
• Determination letter from Sun Life. You'll receive an official letter (by mail, and in your MSCA account if you're set up for electronic communications) confirming your eligibility and coverage details:
  • Coverage start (effective) date — if you renewed on time, this is typically July 1. Care received before your effective date isn't covered.
  • Coverage end date — CDCP coverage runs to June 30 each year.
  • Co-payment level — based on your adjusted family net income. Under $70,000, the plan covers 100% of the CDCP established fees. Between $70,000 and $90,000, you pay a portion (a 40% or 60% co-payment, depending on income). Note the CDCP fee guide may be lower than what a clinic normally charges.
• You can start using coverage as soon as it's active — even before your card or letter arrives. As long as your status shows active and your effective date has arrived, your dental team only needs your Member ID to bill. You don't have to wait for the physical card.
• Did your Member ID change? If you renewed, it stays the same — keep using your existing card. If you missed the window and had to re-apply, you'll be issued a new Member ID. Make sure your dental office has the correct, current number to avoid billing issues.
• Inform your dentist. Bring your determination letter to your next appointment so the office knows your current coverage and co-pay level.
• If you're no longer eligible. The letter will explain why — usually income over $90,000 or gaining access to other dental insurance. You can contact the CDCP call centre if you think it's an error.

How long does renewal take?

The government hasn't published a fixed turnaround, but expect at least several weeks, and longer during peak periods.

• Renewed before the deadline and still qualify? You shouldn't see a coverage gap. Mismatched or inconsistent information can cause delays.
• Missed the window and re-applying? Your old coverage lapses after June 30, and your new coverage won't begin until your application is processed and approved — so there will likely be a gap. You'll be told your new start date once approved, and care during the gap isn't reimbursed.

The takeaway: apply as early as possible once you have your Notice of Assessment.

Checking your CDCP status

Wondering whether you've been approved? You can check your status for yourself and any dependents:

• Online status checker: Use the CDCP status tool. You'll need your CDCP Member ID and SIN (for a child without a SIN, use their name and date of birth).
• By phone (automated, 24/7): Call 1-833-537-4342.
• By phone (live representative): Same number, choose the option to speak to a person. Hold times may be longer during peak periods.
• TTY: 1-833-677-6262.
• MSCA: If you applied online, your letters and updates also appear in your MSCA account.

If your status shows approved, double-check your coverage start date so you know when you can begin using your benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to renew every year?

Yes. The CDCP is an annual program, and you must renew each year so the government can confirm you still qualify based on your income and insurance status.

I didn't get a renewal letter in the mail — what should I do?

You don't have to wait for a letter. As long as the renewal window is open and you have your Notice of Assessment and personal details ready, you can go ahead. If you're unsure, call the CDCP contact centre.

What if I missed the renewal window?

You can't renew late — but you're not out of options. You'll need to submit a new application (re-apply) for the new benefit year through the Government of Canada apply page. Expect a gap in coverage until your new effective date, and note you'll be issued a new Member ID. We walk through the whole process in Missed the CDCP Renewal Deadline? How to Re-Apply.