The decision to join the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan carries permanent consequences that most federal retirees do not fully understand until it is too late. Unlike typical government benefits, the PDSP has specific enrollment periods and requires a mandatory commitment of three years. More importantly, once you choose to opt out, you cannot rejoin the plan.
Therefore, it’s essential to understand your options thoroughly. This guide offers details on eligibility, covered dental services, current costs, and the specific steps to enroll and submit claims.
What is the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan?
The Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) is a voluntary dental plan for eligible federal pensioners and their dependents, provided by the Government of Canada. It covers dental services not included in provincial or territorial health plans.
Since November 1, 2024, Canada Life has managed the plan, introducing new plan numbers and updated tools. The plan costs are shared equally between the Government of Canada and individual members, at a 50:50 ratio. This cost-sharing ratio is reviewed each year by the Treasury Board to consider changes in dental fees, inflation, and how much pensioners use the services.
In addition, PDSP participants can choose from three coverage categories: pensioner only, pensioner with one eligible family member, or pensioner with multiple eligible family members.
Who Qualifies for Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan Coverage?
To qualify for the PDSP, you must receive an ongoing monthly pension under one of several federal acts. Eligibility also extends to surviving dependents who receive a survivor pension under these acts.
For more detailed information about who qualifies for PDSP coverage, explore the sections below.
Eligible Pensioners for PDSP
You are eligible for PDSP if you receive a recognized monthly pension from the Canadian federal government under one of the superannuation Acts listed below.
Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA): This Act covers most retirees from the federal public service, with specific exclusions for those with deferred pension entitlements under the Divestiture Regulations.
Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and Defence Services Pension Continuation Act: Retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their survivors are covered under these Acts.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act and RCMP Pension Continuation Act: This applies to retired members of the RCMP and their survivors.
Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act: This Act includes retired Members of Parliament (MPs), including those eligible under section 71.2 of the Parliament of Canada Act.
Judges Act: Retired federal judges are eligible under this Act.
Other Acts: This category includes the Governor General’s Act, the Lieutenant Governors’ Superannuation Act, the Diplomatic Service (Special) Superannuation Act, and the Special Retirement Arrangements Act.
Note that you do not need to reside in Canada to be eligible for enrollment. If you are outside Canada, eligible expenses will be reimbursed at local rates. If you live in Canada and get care abroad, reimbursement will follow your home province’s rules. And for care within Canada, reimbursement will be based on the fees for that location.
Eligible Dependants for PDSP
Besides, when enrolling as a PDSP member, you can include eligible dependents in Category II (one dependant) or Category III (multiple dependents), who are your spouse, common-law partner, and children.
Eligible Spouse or Common-Law Partner
You can enroll either your spouse or your common-law partner in the PDSP, but only one of them can be covered at a time.
Your legally married spouse is eligible for coverage; however, divorced spouses cannot under any circumstances.
Additionally, you may choose to cover your common-law partner as a dependent, as long as you have both been living together in a conjugal relationship for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
Critical warning: If you decide to remove your spouse or common-law partner from your PDSP coverage, you may only be able to reinstate their coverage in specific circumstances as outlined in the PDSP Rules. So, before making any cancellations, please check the reinstatement policies with the Pension Centre or Canada Life.
Eligible Children
Children qualify based on the following age or disability criteria.
- Children under 21: Your unmarried natural child, adopted child, stepchild, or a child for whom you stand in place of a parent qualifies for the PDSP automatically.
- Children with disabilities over 21: A child who was an eligible dependant under PDSP when becoming incapable of self-sustaining employment due to mental or physical impairment.
- Students aged 21 to 25: Children attending an accredited school, college, or university full-time are also eligible dependents. However, coverage suspends at the end of each academic year and will be reinstated once Canada Life receives proof of re-enrollment. Claims for dental work that occurs during the summer months can be submitted retroactively after the student returns to school.
For dependent children, the primary payer is typically the parent whose birthday falls earlier in the calendar year, in accordance with standard practice set by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA).
If you wish to apply for PDSP membership on your own after the death of a member, you can do so by contacting the pension office and providing a death certificate.
Exclusion for PDSP Members
Starting January 1, 2001, the following pensioners and their survivors are not eligible for membership:
- Individuals who defer their PSSA pension entitlement under the PSSA Divestiture Regulations when transferring to an external employer.
- Individuals who, on their pension entitlement date, receive or will receive an immediate or deferred annuity from the PSSA due to retirement from an agency or entity that is not included in Schedule IV of the Financial Administration Act or Schedule I of the PDSP Rules.
If you have transferred to an external employer under divestiture regulations or retired from an agency not mentioned in the applicable schedules, you and your survivors will be excluded from PDSP eligibility.
Contact your pension office for clarification if you are unsure about your status.
What Dental Services does PDSP Cover?
PDSP covers preventive and basic dental services at 90% reimbursement and major restorative and orthodontic services at 50% reimbursement, subject to annual and lifetime maximums. Reimbursement is based on the previous year’s dental fee guide for the province or territory where the services are rendered.
Preventive Services
Preventive services are covered at 90% and include the following:
- Complete oral exams,
- Recall exams (once every 9 months),
- Bitewing X-rays (once every 9 months),
- Dental polishing (once every 9 months),
- Topical fluoride treatment (once every 9 months),
- Oral hygiene instruction (once per calendar year),
- Pit and fissure sealants for children under the age of 15.
Basic Services
Basic services have a coverage of 90% and include the following:
- Fillings: You can receive a replacement for the same tooth and surface once every 24 months.
- Root Canal Therapy: Coverage for necessary procedures.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Up to 6 time units are allowed per calendar year, with the possibility of obtaining up to 6 additional units if pre-approved.
- Denture Repairs and Adjustments: Includes necessary repairs and adjustments.
- Rebasing or Relining of Removable Dentures: This service is available once every 36 months.
This ensures clarity on what is covered and the frequency of each service.
Major Restorative Services
Major restorative services cover 50% of costs and include crowns, inlays, and veneers (limited to once every 60 months), complete dentures, partial dentures, and fixed bridges. To qualify for replacement of prosthodontic appliances, the existing appliance must be at least 5 years old and deemed non-serviceable.
Orthodontic Services
Orthodontic services include diagnostic services (exams, x-rays, and casts) at a 90% rate. Appliances, whether fixed or removable, are covered at 50%. The initial appliance must not have been installed before your PDSP coverage began, unless it was covered under the Public Service Dental Care Plan.
Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan Coverage Exclusion
Implants are not covered under the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan. However, the Alternate Benefit Clause may provide reimbursement based on the cost of a less expensive covered alternative, such as a bridge or denture.
Practical tip: Submit a Treatment Plan if the estimated cost is $300 or more; the plan becomes invalid if treatment does not start within 180 days of submission.
What are the Annual and Lifetime Coverage Limits?
Each covered individual has an annual maximum benefit of $1,500 for combined preventive, basic, and major restorative dental services. Note that orthodontic services are not included in this limit and have a separate maximum.
There is a lifetime maximum of $2,500 per covered individual for orthodontic services during plan enrollment. If your coverage begins on or after July 1, the annual maximum for that calendar year will be $750. The full $1,500 maximum will be available starting the following January.
The annual deductible is $25 per covered individual, with a family maximum of $50 per calendar year, applied to the first claims each year. If a deductible is paid during the last three months of the year (October to December), it will carry over and count toward the requirement for the following year.
How Much does the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan Cost?
Effective April 1, 2025, the monthly contribution rates for Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan will be as follows:
| Category | Who Is Covered | Monthly Rate |
| Category I | Pensioner only | $22.57 |
| Category II | Pensioner + one eligible family member | $46.57 |
| Category III | Pensioner + two or more eligible family members | $59.01 |
These new rates for the PDSP will take effect on April 1, 2025. Since contributions are paid one month in advance, the updated rates will be reflected in your March 2025 pension payment for coverage starting in April 2025.
As mentioned, according to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the rates are reviewed annually to ensure a 50:50 cost-sharing ratio between pensioners and the government. As the plan administrator, all claims for the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PDSP) must be submitted to Canada Life.
Besides, residents of Ontario are required to pay an additional 8% provincial sales tax on their contributions, while those in Quebec pay an additional 9% Quebec sales tax. For Quebec residents who do not receive a survivor pension, the government’s share of the contribution is also considered a taxable benefit.
If your pension is insufficient to cover the monthly deduction, you can still participate by making contributions directly to your pension office at least once every quarter.
How to Submit the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan Claim
You can submit claims electronically through your dental provider, online via your Canada Life PDSP Member Services account, or by mailing a completed claim form with receipts.
Here are 3 steps to follow when submitting the PDSP:
Step 1: Submit PDSP Application to the Pension Centre
Initially, you need to get your benefit card quickly by enrolling within 60 days to ensure your pension starts when you are eligible. If you apply later, coverage will begin on the first day of the second month after your application is received. After applying, complete the positive enrollment to activate your claims.
To start, obtain the PDSP Form from your pension office. If you are nearing retirement, this form should be included in your retirement package. If you are already retired, contact your pension office to request the form.
Next, complete Part B of the form, making sure to select your coverage category (Category I, II, or III). Sign the form and mail it to your pension office. Once received, your pension office will verify your eligibility and assign you a certificate number.
Step 2: Complete PDSP Positive Enrolment with Canada Life
After your Pension Centre approves your application, you receive your certificate number. You must then complete positive enrolment with Canada Life before any claims can be processed.
You will need your certificate number (from your pension office) and your plan number. Plan numbers are based on your birth month:
- January to March: 92111
- April to June: 92112
- July to September: 92113
- October to December: 92114
- Eligible surviving dependants: 92115
For online positive enrolment, go to welcome.canadalife.com/pdsp/positive-enrolment. Enter your last name, date of birth, and certificate number. Complete the steps and give consent. You will get a confirmation email and can download your PDSP benefit card immediately.
For paper positive enrolment, download the PDSP Positive Enrolment Form and fill out both sides, sign it, and mail it to the address on the form. Your paper benefit card will arrive in about 3 weeks.
Expert tip: If you are within 10 days of the 60-day window closing, send the PDSP form by trackable mail first. Then, complete online enrollment as soon as your certificate number is available for earlier coverage.
Step 3: Submit a Dental Claim
You can submit claims for dental expenses in three ways: electronically through your dental provider, online via your Canada Life PDSP Member Services account, or by mailing a completed claim form along with your receipts.
Effective November 1, 2024, all claims, including those for expenses incurred before the transition from Sun Life, must be submitted to Canada Life for reimbursement eligibility.
Electronic Submission (via Dental Provider)
This is the most efficient way to handle your dental claims, as most Canadian dental providers can submit claims directly to Canada Life on your behalf. Be sure to ask your dental provider if they can submit the claim electronically for you.
When providing them with Carrier Information, include your specific plan number, based on your birth month, along with your certificate number. You can find both of these numbers on your PDSP benefit card.
Online Submission (via Member Portal or App)
Moreover, you can submit the claim through digital channels:
- Member Portal: Log in to your PDSP Member Services account at welcome.canadalife.com/pdsp.
- Mobile App: Use the “My Canada Life at Work” mobile app, which will require multi-factor authentication (MFA) starting in October 2025.
Mail Submission (Paper Claims)
If you would like to submit a paper claim, download the PDSP dental claim form, then complete and sign the form. After that, send it to the following address:
Canada Life
Winnipeg Benefit Payments
PO Box 6025 Station Main
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3C7
Make sure all forms are signed, as unsigned forms will delay processing.
Can You Coordinate PDSP Benefits with Other Dental Plans?
Yes, you can coordinate benefits with other non-federal group dental plans to receive reimbursement of actual eligible expenses. It means if you are covered under both PDSP and the Public Service Health Care Plan, dental services for accidental injury go to PSHCP first. Dental services for oral surgery go to PDSP first.
However, there is a strict restriction: coordination of benefits is not allowed between two individuals who are both members of PDSP. For example, if you and your spouse are both members of PDSP, you cannot cover each other as dependents or coordinate claims between your memberships.
Beyond that, if your spouse or dependants still have CAF coverage during service, check the eligibility and claims information in the Canadian Forces Dependants’ Dental Care Plan guide before proceeding with coordination.
Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan vs Canadian Dental Care Plan
It is important for members to understand that the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan and the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) are two separate programs. Most PDSP members do not qualify for the CDCP. To be eligible for the CDCP, you must not have access to private dental insurance, including coverage offered through a pension plan.Â
This restriction applies even if you choose not to utilize that coverage. However, there is an exception for some retirees: those who opted out of the plan before December 11, 2023, may qualify and cannot opt back in due to pension rules.
If you voluntarily terminate your PDSP coverage after the mandatory enrollment period, you will not be allowed to re-enroll in the PDSP in the future. Additionally, opting out of the PDSP generally makes you ineligible to apply for coverage under the CDCP. This means that the decision to terminate PDSP coverage is significant and can have long-lasting consequences.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, members should follow these methods to maximize the value of the PDSP in 2026:
- Validate positive enrollment on the Canada Life portal immediately.
- Confirm the correct birth-month-based plan number with their dental office.
- If your treatment costs $300 or more, it’s a good idea to submit a treatment plan for approval before you begin. These approvals usually last for 180 days, so pay attention to the timing.
Additionally, retirees should resist the urge to drop PDSP coverage in order to join the CDCP. Current regulations define this as a voluntary loss of access, which does not grant eligibility for the national program. This could potentially leave individuals with no coverage at all.
Success in the 2026 benefit year depends on this “stay-the-course” strategy, while also monitoring for any legislative increases to the annual reimbursement cap.
FAQs about Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan
How is the period Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan calculated?
The three-year period refers to complete calendar years (from January to December), rather than a rolling 36-month timeframe. Additionally, if you add a dependent to your coverage, a new mandatory period begins for that dependent.Â
When is the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan claim deadline?
Canada Life must receive your claims within 15 months of incurring the expenses. Claims submitted more than 15 months after the expense date will not be paid, except in cases of legal incapacity.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP). It's not financial, legal, or insurance advice and should not replace talking to official plan administrators or qualified professionals.
To get the most accurate and current information, members and those interested in the plan should check the official PDSP Rules from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and consult Canada Life. And, always confirm details with your pension office or Canada Life before making decisions about enrollment, coverage, or claims.
