Ontario Trillium Benefit payment dates

The OTB payment includes Ontario energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) and Ontario sales tax credit (OSTC). 

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a financial assistance program designed to help low- to moderate-income residents in Ontario with the cost of property taxes and energy. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the OTB combines three different credits into one payment: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC), and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC).

Purpose of the Ontario Trillium Benefit

The primary aim of the OTB is to provide financial relief to Ontarians by offsetting part of the cost of property taxes and the sales tax on energy. This support is particularly crucial for lower-income families, seniors, and individuals living in northern Ontario where energy costs can be significantly higher.

Components of the Ontario Trillium Benefit

1. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)**: This credit helps Ontarians with the cost of their property taxes and the sales tax on energy. Eligibility for this credit is based on the property taxes or rent paid on a principal residence within Ontario, as well as energy costs incurred at that residence.

2. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)**: Specifically aimed at residents of Northern Ontario, this credit helps with the higher costs of energy faced by those living in the northern regions. It is available to both homeowners and tenants who pay for electricity, oil, gas, wood, or other forms of energy as their primary source of heating.

3. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)**: This component of the OTB is designed to assist with the sales taxes that Ontarians pay. It is calculated based on the individual’s or family’s adjusted net income, and it is available to most residents, including those who do not pay rent or property taxes.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit, an individual must meet certain criteria:
– Be a resident of Ontario on the first day of the payment month.
– Meet the income requirements outlined by the CRA.
– For the OEPTC, one must either pay rent or property taxes on a principal residence in Ontario; for the NOEC, one must reside in Northern Ontario; and for the OSTC, simply being a resident with an income below a certain threshold qualifies an individual.

The OTB is income-tested, meaning that the total benefit amount is reduced as the recipient’s income increases. The exact income thresholds and reduction rates can vary annually and are detailed on the CRA’s official website.

Application Process

Individuals do not need to apply separately for the OTB; rather, they should file an annual tax return and complete the ON-BEN form, which is part of the Ontario tax package. The CRA uses the information from the tax return to determine eligibility and calculate the amount of the benefit. If eligible, payments are made monthly or annually directly to the beneficiary.

To learn more, please visit Ontario.ca for further details. Click Here.

2026

• January 9, 2026
• February 10, 2026
• March 10, 2026
• April 10, 2026
• May 8, 2026
• June 10, 2026
• July 10, 2026
• August 10, 2026
• September 10, 2026
• October 9, 2026
• November 10, 2026
• December 10, 2026

If you haven’t received your payment, please wait 10 working days from the payment date before contacting CRA.

You must visit the Canada Revenue Agency site for more information on the Ontario Trillium Benefit and other federally-administered Ontario benefits, or call 1-877-627-6645.

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