Alberta

Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

If you are getting or have applied for the Seniors Financial Assistance benefit, you may be able to get dental and optical coverage. You can be covered for up to $230 for optical care and up to 100% coverage for dental.

Dental services covered:

  • Diagnostic services (examinations and x-rays)
  • Preventative services (polishing and scaling)
  • Restorative services (fillings, trauma/pain control)
  • Extractions (simple and complicated)
  • Root canals (endodontics)
  • Procedures relating to gum disease (periodontics, root planing)
  • Dentures (prosthodontics, full and partial basic dentures).

Optical (eye) care covers the cost of prescription eyeglasses, including lenses and frames from a recognized optical provider in Alberta.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be 65 years of age or older.
  • Be an Alberta resident and must have lived in Alberta for 3 months right before applying.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or admitted to Canada for permanent residence (landed immigrant).
  • Be approved and receive Seniors Financial Assistance application form.
  • Meet financial eligibility criteria.

Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

Health card

For example:

  • valid health card with no photo, name and address
  • valid health card with photo, name and address
  • MCP (Medical Care Plan) number
  • Valid ambulance/dental services card
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour identification number
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour file number (Income Support Card).

You can Apply for the Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors, through the following:

If you have already submitted the Seniors Financial Assistance application form for another program, there is no need to apply again.

Last updated: February 26, 2026