The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a Government benefit that helps you save on everyday expenses like energy bills, sales tax, and property tax. Specifically, residents of Northern Ontario may be eligible for an additional amount due to their higher energy needs. So, make sure you understand how the OTB works so you can take advantage of the support you qualify for.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a combined tax-free payment that includes 3 provincial tax credits into one monthly payment. You receive OTB automatically if you qualify for any of its components, which are:
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) offers relief from harmonized sales tax (HST) paid on goods and services.
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) helps offset property taxes and energy costs.
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) provides additional support for higher energy expenses in northern districts.
It can be seen that each credit addresses different living costs faced by Ontario residents. Your total annual entitlement is divided into 12 monthly payments and issued each month.
The Ministry of Finance Ontario funds this program entirely. However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) handles all payment processing and eligibility determinations on behalf of the province.
When is the Ontario Trillium Benefit Paid?
The OTB is paid out either monthly or annually, based on how much you qualify for. For recipients whose annual OTB entitlement exceeds $360, the CRA issues OTB payments on the 10th of each month during the benefit year. If the 10th falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday in Ontario, the date will be shifted to the last business day before the 10th.
However, if your total annual OTB entitlement is $360 or less, you can receive your entire benefit as a single payment in July 2025 rather than monthly installments.
Here is the schedule for the OTB covering the 2025-2026 benefit year:
| Scheduled Payment Date | Day of Week | Notes |
| July 10, 2025 | Thursday | First payment of the 2025 benefit year |
| August 8, 2025 | Friday | Adjusted from August 10 (Sunday) |
| September 10, 2025 | Wednesday | Regular scheduled date |
| October 10, 2025 | Friday | Regular scheduled date |
| November 10, 2025 | Monday | Regular scheduled date |
| December 10, 2025 | Wednesday | Regular scheduled date |
| January 9, 2026 | Friday | Adjusted from January 10 (Saturday) |
| February 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Regular scheduled date |
| March 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Regular scheduled date |
| April 10, 2026 | Friday | Regular scheduled date; Good Friday adjustment does not apply (April 3, 2026) |
| May 8, 2026 | Friday | Adjusted from May 10 (Sunday) |
| June 10, 2026 | Wednesday | Final payment of the 2025 benefit year; delayed single payments issued this month |
Source: Benefits payment dates – canada.ca
If you file your 2024 tax return after OTB payment dates, but before the end of the year, your first OTB payment will arrive within 4 to 8 weeks after the CRA assesses your return. It will also include retroactive amounts for any months of the benefit year that have already passed.
Example: The CRA assesses OTB payment on October 20, 2025, but David files his return on October 5, 2025. In this case, he will receive his first OTB payment, including retroactive amounts, in mid-November. After that, he will get monthly payments from December 10, 2025, to June 10, 2026.
In complex situations, you can confirm your payment dates and amounts by logging into CRA My Account or by calling the CRA benefits inquiry line at 1-877-627-6645 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time).
Who is Eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
To receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit, you must meet basic eligibility requirements and qualify for at least one of the three component credits: OSTC, NOEC, and OEPTC.
OTB Basic Eligibility Criteria
The 3 general requirements applying to all OTB recipients are:
- Ontario residency on December 31, 2024, OR
- At least 18 years old (or 19 for OSTC only) at some point before June 1, 2026, OR
- Currently have or previously had a spouse or common-law partner, or are a parent who lives or previously lived with your child.
Beyond that, your residency status also matters for monthly payments. You must live in Ontario on the first day of each payment month to receive that month’s payment. For example, moving out of Ontario on November 10 means you receive the November payment but not subsequent ones.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit Eligibility
The Ontario Sales Tax Credit has the broadest eligibility among the three components. If you are at least 19 years old and meet the basic requirements listed above, you qualify regardless of whether you rent, own, or have housing-related expenses. No separate application is needed because the CRA assesses your eligibility when you file your tax return automatically.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit Eligibility
The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit requires meeting basic criteria plus at least one housing-related condition from 2024. You qualify if you:
- paid rent or property tax for your main Ontario residence, or
- are living in a public or non-profit long-term care home where you pay accommodation costs, or
- paid home energy costs (such as electricity or heating) while living on a reserve in Ontario, or
- lived in a designated university, college, or private school residence in Ontario during 2024.
If you move out of Ontario in the middle of a month, you’ll still get that month’s payment, but lose eligibility for subsequent months.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit Eligibility
To qualify for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, you must live in certain Northern Ontario areas as of December 31, 2024. They include Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming.
You must also meet the same housing-related conditions as the OEPTC. However, the monthly residency requirement applies even more specifically for the NOEC. Residents must live in Northern Ontario on the first day of each month to receive that month’s payment.
If someone moves from Sudbury to London (Southern Ontario) at the end of November, they qualify for the November NOEC payment but not for any subsequent Northern Ontario credits.
For couples, the full credit goes to whoever’s return is assessed first. However, if one partner is 64 or older, that person receives the credit regardless of assessment timing.
How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit
To apply for the OTB, you must file an annual income tax return. For certain components of the benefit, you will also need to complete an additional form.
Here’s how to do it in 6 simple steps:
Step 1: File Your Income Tax
You need to complete and submit your tax return to the CRA. If you are married or in a common-law relationship, both you and your partner should file separate returns. Therefore, the CRA can determine your combined income accurately. You can do it online using certified tax software or NETFILE, or by mailing a paper return.
Step 2: Complete Form ON-BEN for OEPTC and NOEC (If Applicable)
If you want to apply for the OEPTC or the NOEC, you need to complete Form ON-BEN, which asks for details about your housing. You need to collect one of these 4 documents that show your housing costs:
- Renters: A receipt from your landlord that shows the total rent paid.
- Property Owners: Your property tax bill or statement.
- Student Housing: The name of the residence and the months you lived there.
- Long-term Care Residents: Statements showing your accommodation costs.
Keep these documents, as you may need to provide them to the CRA later, even though you do not submit them with your return.
Most tax software includes Form ON-BEN and will help you fill it out. If you are filing by paper, you will find the form in your Ontario tax package. Ensure that you attach it to your tax return before submitting it.
Step 3: Check the Delayed Payment Option (If Desired)
If your annual OTB amount is over $360, check box 61060 in the “Choice for delayed single OTB payment” section on Form ON-BEN. Make sure to do this when you file your return.
Remember, you need to make this choice every year if you want the single payment. If you do not choose it this year, you will get monthly payments from July 2025 to June 2026.
Step 4: Submit Your Return and Wait for Your Notice of Assessment
After that, send your completed tax return and Form ON-BEN (if needed) to the CRA. If you are filing electronically, make sure all forms are included. For paper filers, mail everything to the correct tax centre.
The CRA will process them and issue a Notice of Assessment. This usually takes about 2 weeks for electronic filings and 8 weeks for paper ones.
Step 5: Set Up Direct Deposit
To receive your OTB payments quickly and securely, enroll in direct deposit. If you already receive tax refunds this way, your OTB payments will go to the same account automatically.
You can register for direct deposit in 3 ways:
- through your CRA My Account online,
- calling 1-800-959-8281,
- submitting the direct deposit enrolment form.
Make sure you have your bank details ready, including your financial institution number, branch number, and account number.
Step 6: Update Your Information Regularly
Let the CRA know immediately if your address changes during the benefit year. Remember to provide the exact date of your move, as it can affect your benefits.
If you initially chose delayed payments but want to switch to monthly payments, contact the CRA. You will get any owed amounts retroactively, plus regular monthly payments for the rest of the year.
Also, moving out of Ontario or changes in your marital status can impact your benefits, so keep the CRA updated to ensure you receive the right amounts and avoid having to pay back any overpayments.
How Much Can You Receive from the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
Your OTB amount depends on your income, age, family size, and location. Each component has its own maximum amount and income threshold at which benefits begin to decrease.
This table is the summary of the maximum amount you can receive from OTB:
| Credit Component | Maximum Annual Amount | Current Income Reduction Threshold |
| OSTC (per person) | $371 | Single: $28,506 / Family: $35,632 / Seniors: varies |
| OEPTC (ages 18-64) | $1,283 | Single: $28,506 / Family: $35,632 |
| OEPTC (age 65+) | $1,461 | Single senior: $35,632 / Senior couple: $42,758 |
| OEPTC (reserve/care home) | $285 | Same as above |
| OEPTC (student residence) | $25 | Same as above |
| NOEC (single) | $185 | $49,885 |
| NOEC (family) | $285 | $64,138 |
| NOEC (single who shared custody of all children) | $235 | Blended calculation |
Here is the detailed explanation of how these benefits can support you:
Ontario Sales Tax Credit Amounts
The maximum OSTC amount for the 2025 benefit year is $371 per household member, including each adult and each child under 19 years of age.
The credit begins to reduce once your adjusted family net income exceeds:
- $28,506 for single individuals with no children,
- or $35,632 for couples (married or common-law partners) and single parents,
The phase-out rate is 4% of income above these thresholds.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit Amounts
Maximum OEPTC amounts for 2025 reach $1,283 if you are between 18 and 64 years old, or $1,461 if you are 65 years of age or older on December 31, 2024, based on the Government of Ontario’s indexed benefit rates that adjust annually for inflation according to changes in the Ontario Consumer Price Index.
Additional amounts include $285 for reserve residents or long-term care home occupants, and $25 for time in designated student residences.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit Amounts
NOEC’s base credit is:
- $185 for single individuals with no children
- $235 for single individuals who share custody of children
- $285 for families (couples or single parents)
These amounts are reduced by 1% of adjusted family net income over $49,885 for individuals or $64,138 for families.
These higher thresholds reflect the recognition that northern residents face energy costs even at moderate income levels.
Source: Ontario Trillium Benefit – ontario.ca
Additional Ontario Tax Credits and Related Programs
Beyond the Ontario Trillium Benefit, there are three other tax credits and programs in Ontario: OCB, OSHPTG, and federal benefits. Here is how they provide financial support to residents based on their individual needs.
Ontario Child Benefit (OCB): For July 2025 to June 2026, families can receive up to $143.91 per month for each eligible child. The benefit starts to decrease for families with a net income over $26,364.
Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG): In 2025, they may receive up to $500 to help cover these costs.
GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit: These federal programs also provide financial support, but each has its own specific eligibility criteria. Residents should apply for both provincial and federal benefits, as qualifying for one does not automatically enroll you in the other.
Source: Province of Ontario – canada.ca
The bottom line
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a program from the Ontario government that provides financial support for everyday expenses. To qualify, file your taxes and, if needed, fill out Form ON-BEN. Careful preparation can provide you with regular support throughout the year. Once you set it up, the CRA will handle the rest. From that, you can choose to receive all your benefits at once or in smaller payments, which gives you more control over your monthly budget.
FAQs about Ontario Trillium Benefit
Can I receive the OTB if I have no income?
Yes. You can get the Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2024 even if you have no income, as long as you file your taxes by April 30, 2025, and meet other eligibility requirements like being a resident of Ontario and meeting age or relationship criteria.
Do I need to reapply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit every year?
Yes. To keep receiving the Ontario Trillium Benefit, you need to file a tax return and complete Form ON-BEN every year. Your benefit is recalculated based on your latest income tax return, so even if nothing has changed, you still have to file to keep getting your payments.
Can non-citizens or newcomers to Canada receive the OTB?
Yes. Permanent residents, protected persons, and temporary residents can apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit if they are tax residents of Canada and meet the program’s requirements.
How does the OTB work for separated or divorced individuals?
When you separate or divorce, your Ontario Trillium Benefit is recalculated based on your new marital status and living arrangements. You must notify the CRA of your separation within 30 days using Form RC65 (Marital Status Change).
What happens to the Ontario Trillium Benefit when someone passes away?
When a benefit recipient passes away, the Ontario Trillium Benefit payments must be stopped. The estate or family should inform the CRA as soon as possible. The CRA will make a final OTB payment for the month of death, which may be adjusted. Any payments received after the death must be returned, as the deceased is no longer eligible.
What happens if I made a mistake on my OTB application?
You can submit corrections through CRA My Account by selecting “Change my return” and updating the relevant information, or by completing Form T1-ADJ (T1 Adjustment Request) and mailing it to your tax centre with supporting documentation.
Why are my OTB payments being automatically applied to other debts?
The CRA can use your OTB payments to settle different government debts you owe, a process known as “offsetting.” This may include unpaid income tax, GST/HST debts, CPP or EI overpayments, student loans, certain provincial debts, and unpaid child or spousal support. If this happens, you’ll receive a letter showing the debt that was paid and what you still owe. If you believe the offset is incorrect or causing financial difficulties, contact the CRA at 1-877-627-6645 to discuss your options or dispute the debt.
Can I claim both rent and property taxes on my OTB application?
No. You cannot claim both rent and property taxes on Form ON-BEN at the same time. Choose one based on your living situation: if you are renting, claim your rent; if you are a homeowner, claim your property taxes. If your situation changes during the year, you can claim different costs for different periods.
