Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) — Check Eligibility and Claim
A federally funded Medicare benefit that provides eligible children aged 0–17 with up to $1,158 in dental services over two consecutive calendar years, claimable through Medicare online, the Express Plus app, or at the dental practice via bulk billing.
Issuing authority
Services Australia
Official source
servicesaustralia.gov.auCost
Free (benefit covers up to $1,158 over two calendar years; gap charges may apply if dentist does not bulk bill)
How to apply
- Check eligibility: your child must be aged 0–17 for at least one day of the calendar year, be enrolled in Medicare, and you or your partner must receive an eligible Australian Government payment (e.g. Family Tax Benefit Part A, Youth Allowance).
- Wait for Services Australia's annual letter in January confirming your child is eligible, or check eligibility at any time via your Medicare online account linked to myGov (my.gov.au).
- Book a dental appointment and tell the dentist you want to use CDBS — the dentist will verify your child's eligibility before the appointment.
- If the dentist bulk bills CDBS, no payment or claim is required from you — the dentist claims directly from Medicare.
- If the dentist does not bulk bill, pay the dental bill on the day and keep the receipt.
- To claim a Medicare benefit, log into myGov, go to Medicare, select 'Make a claim' and upload the itemised dental receipt; or use the Express Plus Medicare app; or visit a Services Australia service centre.
- Check your child's remaining CDBS balance at any time via myGov or by calling Services Australia on 132 011.
- Note that CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dentistry, or hospital-based dental services.
Related topics
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