Introduction to the Ontario Trillium Benefit
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a combined payment of three provincial benefits for Ontario residents. To receive the benefit, you must be eligible for at least one of these three credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC), and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC).
What are the Three Credits?
The three credits that make up the OTB are:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): This tax-free credit applies to a portion of the property tax and sales tax on energy of eligible Ontario residents. The maximum OEPTC is $1,461 for seniors aged 64 and over and $1,283 for other Canadians.
- The Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): This tax credit is available to eligible residents of Northern Ontario and offsets the higher energy costs paid by residents of this part of the province. The maximum NOEC entitlement is $185 for single adults without children and $285 for couples and single parents.
- The Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): This is a tax-free payment to eligible Ontario residents to offset sales tax. The OSTC provides a maximum annual credit of $371 to each adult and child in a family.
Administration of the OTB
Although the OTB is funded by the Province of Ontario, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the program on behalf of the Province.
OTB Payment Dates for 2026
The OTB is issued every month on the 10th day of the month. If this date falls on a weekend or public holiday, it will be issued for the last “working day” before the 10th. The OTB payment schedule runs from July to June of the following calendar year because the payments are based on your tax returns from the previous year. The next OTB payments for 2025, based on your 2024 income tax return and issued in 2026, will be paid as follows:
- January 9, 2026
- February 10, 2026
- March 10, 2026
- April 10, 2026
- May 8, 2026
- June 10, 2026
The 2026 OTB payments, based on your 2025 tax return and issued in 2026, will be paid as follows: - July 10, 2026
- August 10, 2026
- September 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
- November 10, 2026
- December 10, 2026
How Much is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The OTB you receive is the total amount for the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. The amount you receive depends on several factors, including your age, income, residence, number of family members in the household, and amount paid as rent or property taxes. You can estimate your OTB entitlement using the Government of Canada and CRA’s Child and Family Benefit Calculator.
Receiving a Single OTB Payment
Ontario residents with an OTB of $360 or less will automatically receive their payment in a one-time lump sum. And if your OTB is $360 or more, you can get it in a single payment. Instead of monthly payments from July 2026 to June 2027, those who choose this option will receive a one-time payment at the end of the benefit year, in June 2027.
Eligibility and Application
Ontario residents do not need to apply for the OTB. Once you file your 2025 tax return, you will automatically be eligible for 2026 OTB payments. However, if your tax return is assessed on June 20, 2026 or later, the payment may be delayed as your first payment will be made within four to eight weeks of your assessment.
Conclusion
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a valuable resource for Ontario residents, providing financial assistance with energy and property tax costs, as well as sales tax. By understanding the three credits that make up the OTB and how to receive a single payment, you can make the most of this benefit and reduce your financial burden. Remember to file your tax return on time to ensure you receive your OTB payments without delay.