Many families in Australia can get $1,132 from the government to help pay for their kids’ dental care but most people don’t know about it. The money comes from a program called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Parents who get Family Tax Benefit Part A or Parenting Payment from Centrelink can use this money for basic dental work for their children. The benefit gives families up to $1132 every two years to spend on dental care.
Right now about 2.4 million kids could get this dental money but only 600,000 families have used it this year. This means a lot of families are missing out on free dental care for their children. The program helps pay for things like checkups fillings and other basic dental work that kids need.
The Australian Dental Association says many people don’t understand how to use the dental program. Health Minister Mark Butler wants more families to take advantage of it.
He told 9News that it’s a great way for families with lower incomes to get good dental care for their children. This helps kids maintain healthy teeth throughout their lives.
Eligibility Criteria for $1,132 Centrelink Dental Benefit
Kids need to be younger than 18 & have Medicare to get this support.
Your family must also get money from Services Australia like family benefits or parent payments.
Your child can also get youth money student support or disability payments to qualify.
Services Australia will send you a letter if your child can get this help.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Child Dental Benefits
You can use this dental program for basic treatments like check-ups x-rays, cleaning, fillings & root canals.
The program does not cover braces or any cosmetic dental work. The benefit lasts for two years & starts when your child gets their first dental service at the start of a calendar year.
If you don’t use it during this time you will lose it. You can get the money back right away at the dentist’s office or claim it later through Services Australia. They will send the money to your bank account.
It’s a good idea to ask your dentist about using this program when you book an appointment for your child.
How does Centrelink dental support benefit Australian households?
Provides financial assistance for dental care to eligible individuals.
