With only a few weeks remaining before the year’s end, Centrelink is urging eligible families to take full advantage of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) before any remaining funds disappear. This reminder comes as some recipients have yet to claim the $1,132 available for their children’s dental care, with the funds expiring at the close of the two-year period.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule offers up to $1,132 every two years for eligible children, covering essential dental services such as check-ups, fillings, and extractions. This program is available to children aged 0-17 who are covered by Medicare and whose families receive certain Centrelink payments. Services Australia, the government body managing the scheme, has been reminding parents and guardians to check their balances before they lose the funds.
The CDBS is designed to ease the financial burden of dental care for children, particularly for families facing economic challenges. According to Services Australia, many eligible families may have unused funds that will expire if not claimed by the end of the calendar year. The two-year coverage period is reset on January 1st, meaning any remaining balance from the previous cycle is forfeited, regardless of whether it was used.
Eligibility and Coverage Explained
To qualify for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, children must meet several criteria, including being eligible for Medicare and being between the ages of 0 and 17. Additionally, the child’s family must receive one of the eligible Centrelink payments, such as :
- Disability Support Pension
- Youth Allowance
- Special Benefit
- Parenting Payment
- Double Orphan Pension
- Carer Payment
- ABSTUDY
- Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A
- Parenting Payment
The scheme covers a wide range of dental services, from routine check-ups and teeth cleaning to more complex procedures like root canals and extractions. However, according to Services Australia, parents should check with their dentists to ensure that the specific services their children need are covered under the scheme, as some treatments may be subject to limitations or restrictions.
Once a child becomes eligible for the program, parents are notified via letter from Services Australia, with eligibility reassessed every year. However, the responsibility lies with parents to track their balance and ensure it is used before the two-year period concludes.
Parents can easily monitor their balance through the myGov app or website, where they can access the Medicare section and check how much of the $1,132 is remaining. Alternatively, many dentists are able to check balances through their system. Services Australia also encourages parents to schedule any necessary treatments promptly to avoid missing out on the financial assistance available.
