Federal, Ontario, and local programs

9.1 Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan can reduce eligible dental costs for people who meet its income, tax-filing, Canadian-residency and private-insurance requirements. Coverage is based on the CDCP fee schedule. A patient may still have to pay a co-payment, charges above the CDCP fee schedule, or costs for services that are not covered or have not received required preauthorization.

Core eligibility requirements

To qualify, all of the following must apply:

     •   No access to private dental insurance: You must not have access to dental insurance
         or coverage through:
             o    your employer or a family member’s employer;
             o    your pension plan or a family member’s pension plan;
             o    a professional or student organization; or
             o    insurance purchased privately by you or a family member.

Having access normally counts even when you:

• choose not to enrol;
• opt out;
• do not use the coverage; or
• must pay some or all of the premium.

You are also considered to have access when you previously opted out but are permitted to opt back into the plan.

Pension-plan exception for certain retirees

A retiree may still qualify for the CDCP despite previously having access to pension-plan dental coverage when both of the following apply:

1. The retiree opted out of the dental insurance or coverage through the pension plan before December 11, 2023; and

2. The pension-plan rules do not permit the retiree to opt back into that coverage.

This is a narrow exception. Retirees should obtain written confirmation from the pension administrator showing the opt-out date and confirming that re-enrolment is not permitted.

Checking pension or employment dental access

Pension-plan administrators report access to dental coverage in Box 015 of the T4A slip:

• Code 1 generally means there was no access to pension dental insurance.
• Codes 2, 3, 4 or 5 generally indicate access to dental insurance.

Employers use the same codes in Box 45 of the T4 slip. Applicants should check these codes before declaring that they have no access to private dental insurance. Where the tax slip indicates access, the applicant may be asked to provide evidence that the coverage has ended or that the reported information was incorrect.

Other eligibility requirements

Applicants must also:

• have filed the required Canadian income-tax return, along with their spouse or common-law partner where applicable;
• have adjusted family net income below $90,000; and
• be Canadian residents for tax purposes.

CDCP income bands and co-payments

Adjusted family net income CDCP share of the CDCP fee schedule Patient co-payment
Under $70,000                                                                  100%                        0%
$70,000–$79,999                                                                 60%                       40%
$80,000–$89,999                                                                 40%                       60%
$90,000 or more                                                         Not eligible                    100%

The percentages apply to the amount allowed under the CDCP fee schedule, not necessarily the dentist’s full charge. Before treatment, confirm:

• that the provider accepts CDCP patients;
• whether preauthorization is required;
• the amount recognized under the CDCP fee schedule;
• the applicable co-payment; and
• any additional amount the provider will charge above that schedule.

Coordination with government dental programs

Having dental coverage through a provincial, territorial or federal government social program does not necessarily prevent CDCP eligibility. Where a person qualifies for both programs,

benefits may be coordinated to avoid duplication or gaps in coverage. This may be relevant to Ontario seniors who also qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

Annual renewal and accuracy

Eligibility must be confirmed at application and renewal. Applicants must accurately report access to private dental coverage. A person found to have been ineligible may be removed from the CDCP and required to repay benefits paid while they were not eligible.

9.2 Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)

The OSDCP is an Ontario government program that provides free routine dental care to eligible low-income seniors aged 65 or older. It is separate from OHIP.

Who qualifies

You may qualify when all of these apply:

• You are 65 or older
• You live in Ontario
• Your annual net income is: o $25,000 or less for a single senior o $41,500 or less combined for a couple
• You do not have other dental benefits, such as employer, pension, private insurance, Ontario Works, ODSP or Non-Insured Health Benefits.

The income test generally uses net income from your tax return, not gross employment or pension income before deductions.

What it covers

OSDCP can cover:

• Dental examinations and check-ups
• Scaling, polishing and fluoride treatments
• X-rays
• Fillings and repair of broken teeth
• Tooth extractions and some oral surgery
• Treatment of infections and dental pain
• Root-canal-related services
• Treatment of gum disease
• Anesthesia when medically required

Some procedures have frequency or clinical limits.

Dentures

Dentures and other dental prosthetics are only partially covered, so the senior may still have to pay part of the cost. Coverage and availability can differ by local public health unit.

9.3 Ontario Drug Benefit

The Ontario Drug Benefit program helps eligible Ontario residents pay for approved prescription drugs and certain pharmacy products. Ontario residents with valid provincial health coverage generally become eligible at age 65, with coverage beginning on the first day of the month after their 65th birthday.

ODB does not necessarily pay the full retail cost of every prescription. Coverage depends on whether the drug is listed in the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary and whether any clinical or administrative conditions are satisfied.

Standard senior coverage

The ODB benefit year runs from August 1 to July 31.

          Senior category                            Annual         Patient co-payment for each covered
                                                 deductible                                         prescription
Standard ODB senior coverage                     Up to $100                   Up to $6.11 after the deductible
Approved Seniors Co-Payment                                $0                                             Up to $2
Program

Under standard coverage, the senior generally pays the eligible prescription costs until the annual deductible has been reached. Afterward, the senior pays a co-payment of up to $6.11 for each covered prescription for the remainder of the benefit year.

Co-payment versus pharmacy dispensing fee

The amount paid by the senior should be described as a co-payment, not as the pharmacy’s full dispensing fee.

A pharmacy normally charges a dispensing fee for the professional services involved in filling a prescription. ODB reimburses the pharmacy according to provincial rules and approved amounts. The senior is normally responsible only for the applicable ODB deductible and co-payment, not automatically for the pharmacy’s entire dispensing fee.

However, additional patient costs may arise when:

• the pharmacy’s charge exceeds the amount recognized by ODB;

• the patient chooses a higher-cost brand-name drug without an approved medical reason;
• the prescription is not an eligible ODB benefit;
• the drug requires approval that has not been obtained;
• the quantity or refill frequency does not meet ODB rules; or
• another non-covered service or product is provided.

Before filling an expensive or ongoing prescription, ask the pharmacist to identify separately:

1. the drug cost;
2. the pharmacy dispensing fee;
3. the amount covered by ODB;
4. the ODB deductible or co-payment;
5. any brand-name or other additional charge; and
6. the final amount payable by the patient.

Seniors Co-Payment Program

Lower-income seniors can apply for the Seniors Co-Payment Program. Once approved:

• the annual $100 deductible is removed; and
• the patient pays a co-payment of up to $2 for each covered prescription.

For the benefit year beginning August 1, 2026, the general net-income limits are:

Household situation         Annual net-income limit
Single senior                           $25,480 or less
Senior couple               $42,290 or less combined

An application is required. Eligibility is not necessarily granted automatically when a senior turns 65.

What ODB may cover

ODB covers thousands of approved prescription drugs and certain other products. A drug may fall into one of several categories:

• General Benefit: Covered when prescribed for an eligible ODB recipient.
• Limited Use: Covered only when specified clinical conditions are met and the prescriber records the appropriate Limited Use code.
• Exceptional Access Program: The prescriber must request approval when the patient’s circumstances meet the applicable criteria.
• Not listed or excluded: The patient may have to pay the full cost unless another public or private plan provides coverage.

ODB may cover only an approved generic version of a medication. A patient who requests a brand-name version may have to pay the difference unless the prescriber establishes an accepted medical reason for requiring the brand.

Dispensing-frequency considerations

A separate co-payment may apply each time a prescription is dispensed. Receiving medication in short refill intervals can therefore result in more co-payments than receiving an appropriate longer supply.

ODB rules can limit how often dispensing fees are reimbursed for certain chronic-use medications. Exceptions may apply where shorter dispensing intervals are medically necessary, required for safety, or otherwise permitted under program rules.

Seniors should ask their pharmacist whether a 90-day supply is medically appropriate and permitted. Medication should not be supplied in larger quantities when doing so could create safety concerns or lead to waste.

Coordination with private coverage

Before cancelling employer, retiree or individually purchased drug insurance at age 65, ask a pharmacist to check every current medication against the Ontario formulary.

Private coverage may remain valuable for:

• medications not listed by ODB;
• brand-name price differences;
• deductibles and co-payments;
• medical supplies or products outside ODB;
• drugs awaiting Exceptional Access approval; or
• travel and out-of-province prescription needs.

The comparison should consider premiums, deductibles, annual limits, exclusions and coordination-of-benefits rules—not merely whether the senior is technically eligible for ODB.

Practical checklist

• Confirm that the Ontario health card is valid.
• Ask the pharmacy to check each medication against the ODB Formulary.
• Determine whether a Limited Use code or Exceptional Access approval is required.
• Apply for the Seniors Co-Payment Program when income is within the applicable limit.
• Ask whether a generic substitute is available and medically appropriate.
• Request a written explanation of any amount not covered by ODB.
• Review private drug insurance before cancelling it.
• Recheck coverage whenever a medication, dosage, brand or medical condition changes.

This wording distinguishes the patient co-payment from the pharmacy’s dispensing fee and makes the possible additional charges clearer.

9.4 Ontario Trillium Benefit

The Ontario Trillium Benefit combines the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit where applicable, and Ontario Sales Tax Credit. Eligibility is income-tested and usually depends on filing an annual tax return and completing the relevant rent, property-tax, residence, and energy information. A senior who receives OSHPTG may also qualify for OTB components; they are separate programs.

9.5 Snowbird tax and travel rules

Frequent U.S. visitors should track days carefully. The U.S. substantial presence calculation uses the current year plus weighted portions of the prior two years. Eligible visitors who maintain a closer connection to Canada may need to file IRS Form 8840 by the deadline. Canadian provincial health-coverage residency rules and travel-insurance trip limits are separate tests. Canadians owning U.S. real estate or substantial U.S. assets should also review possible U.S. estate-tax exposure and currency (FX) risk on U.S.-dollar spending.

9.6 Working while receiving CPP

CPP contributions generally continue while working and receiving CPP before age 65, generating Post-Retirement Benefits. From 65 to 70, an employee may elect to stop contributions using the prescribed process; otherwise contributions can continue and generate additional PRBs. No CPP contributions are made after 70. Compare contribution cost, tax deduction/credit effects, expected PRB, employment plans, and longevity.

To stop Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions after age 65, you must file Form CPT30 with your employer and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Eligibility You are only eligible to stop contributing if you meet all of the following conditions: [1] • You are at least 65 years old, but under age 70.

• You are actively receiving a CPP or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) retirement pension.

• You are currently earning pensionable employment or self-employment income. [1, 2]

How to Apply • Fill out the form: Download and complete Form CPT30, Election to Stop Contributing to the Canada Pension Plan.

• Submit to your employer: Give a completed copy to your payroll department. Deductions will officially stop on the first day of the month following the month you submit it to them.

• Submit to the CRA: Mail the original form to the nearest CRA tax center listed on the instructions. [1, 2]

Additional Details • Self-Employed: If you are exclusively self-employed, you do not need to file a CPT30. You can simply elect to stop making contributions directly on Schedule 8 when you file your personal tax return.

9.7 Ontario and municipal property-tax and utility relief

• Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG) — an income-tested grant claimed on the tax return for eligible senior homeowners.
• Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) components — including the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit and, in eligible areas, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (see §9.3). Local programs (vary by municipality — you must check your own):

• Property-tax deferral for low-income seniors or persons with disabilities (often repayable on sale or death, sometimes with interest and a registered lien).
• Property-tax rebates, credits, or increase-cancellation programs.
• Water/utility rebate or assistance programs.

• Search your municipality's (city, town, township) website for "property tax relief / deferral / rebate for seniors," and your upper-tier region or county where applicable (e.g., a region, county, or district).
• Larger single-tier cities (for example, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor, London, Greater Sudbury) and two-tier systems (a lower-tier municipality within a region or county) can differ
• confirm which level administers the program.
• Call 211 Ontario (dial 2-1-1) for a free referral to local relief programs.

For any program, confirm current eligibility, application deadlines, interest, liens, whether repayment is required on sale or death, and whether annual renewal is required. Municipal program names, availability, and rules differ across Ontario and change over time.

9.8 Fraud prevention: technological safeguards and scam typologies

Technological safeguards. Use strong unique passwords, multifactor authentication,

transaction alerts, call-back verification, and a waiting period before major transfers. Never rely on caller ID. Investment firms may use a Trusted Contact Person when concerned about exploitation or capacity, but the TCP cannot transact unless separately authorized. Behavioural safeguards — recognizing common scams. Many scams targeting seniors succeed by creating urgency, fear, secrecy, or emotional pressure rather than by breaking a password. Be alert to these prevalent typologies:

Scam type How it typically works Red flags / defence

                                         Caller or text claims you owe          The CRA does not demand
                                         tax or a benefit was overpaid          payment by gift cards, crypto,
 CRA / government                        and threatens arrest,                  e-transfer, or threaten arrest
 impersonation                           deportation, or account                by phone. Hang up and call
                                         seizure unless you pay                 the CRA using the official
                                         immediately.                           number.

                                         Caller poses as a grandchild           Urgency + secrecy ("don't tell
                                         (or a lawyer/police for them)          mom and dad") is the tell.
 Grandparent / emergency                 in urgent trouble — an                 Hang up and call the family
 scam                                    accident, arrest, bail — and           member directly on a known
                                         pleads for secret, immediate           number.
                                         money.

                                         Caller claims your account is          A real bank never asks you
 Bank / fraud-investigator               compromised and asks you               to move money to protect it
 scam                                    to "move funds to a safe               or to share one-time codes.
                                         account," share codes, or              Call the number on your
                                         grant remote access.                   card.

                                         Pop-up or call claims your             Legitimate companies don't
 Tech-support scam                       computer is infected and               cold-call about viruses.
                                         requests remote access or              Never grant remote access
                                         payment to "fix" it.                   to an unsolicited caller.