The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a vital support program for low- and moderate-income households in Ontario. Designed to ease the financial burden of property taxes, energy costs, and sales tax, the benefit combines three credits into one streamlined payment:
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
By merging these credits, the OTB ensures that families receive consistent tax-free monthly support to manage daily living expenses. Payments are administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Ontario government.
OTB Overview

Details | Information |
---|---|
Program Name | Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) |
Managed By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for Ontario |
Benefit Type | Tax-free financial support |
Amount | Varies (based on 2024 tax return) |
Payment Cycle | Monthly or lump-sum |
Payment Date | 10th of each month (or lump-sum in July) |
Purpose | Helps cover housing, energy, and sales tax costs |
Official Website | ontario.ca |
Why the Ontario Trillium Benefit Matters
For households living on modest incomes, rising energy bills, rent, and sales tax costs can put immense pressure on monthly budgets. The OTB ensures that essential expenses can be managed without financial strain. By offering predictable support, the benefit:
- Stabilizes family budgets with regular monthly deposits.
- Supports seniors and low-income Ontarians in meeting housing costs.
- Strengthens financial inclusion, ensuring essential needs like groceries, rent, and utilities are more affordable.
OTB Payment Model – Monthly vs. Lump-Sum
The CRA calculates the Ontario Trillium Benefit based on your 2024 income tax return. Payments start in July 2025 and continue until June 2026.
- If your annual benefit is $360 or less, you will receive a single lump-sum payment in July 2025.
- If your benefit is more than $360, it will be paid in 12 equal monthly installments.
This flexible model allows Ontarians to choose a benefit structure that matches their financial needs.
Eligibility Rules for Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025
To qualify for the OTB in 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2024.
- File a 2024 income tax return (with the ON-BEN form if applying for OEPTC or NOEC).
- Be eligible for at least one of the three component credits:
- OSTC: Must be 19 years or older, a parent, or living with a spouse/common-law partner.
- OEPTC: Must have paid rent, property tax, or energy costs (including living in long-term care or on a reserve).
- NOEC: Must live in a Northern Ontario district and meet OEPTC conditions.
Required Documents for Application
When applying for or confirming your eligibility for the OTB, you will need:
- 2024 income tax and benefit return with ON-BEN form if required.
- Proof of Ontario residency (utility bills or government-issued ID).
- Rent, property tax, or energy expense receipts.
- Documentation for long-term care residence (if applicable).
- CRA My Account credentials to manage your claim and track payments.
How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit
Applying is simple since eligibility is calculated through your tax return. Steps include:
- File your 2024 income tax return.
- Include the ON-BEN form for OEPTC or NOEC if applicable.
- Use CRA My Account to confirm benefit status once your return is processed.
- Ensure your direct deposit details and personal information are updated.
There is no separate application for most Ontarians—filing taxes on time is the key requirement.
OTB Payment Dates 2025–2026
Payments are scheduled for the 10th of each month. If the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made on the previous business day.
- Annual benefit of $360 or less: One payment in July 2025.
- Annual benefit over $360: Equal monthly payments July 2025 – June 2026.
Example: For September 2025, payments will be deposited on September 10, 2025.
How to Secure and Track Your OTB Payments
Recipients can ensure timely deposits by:
- Signing in to CRA My Account to check OTB status.
- Verifying whether they are set for monthly or lump-sum payments.
- Ensuring banking information is accurate for direct deposit.
- Contacting CRA directly if payments are missing.
- Updating personal details such as marital status, dependents, or address promptly.
Ontario Trillium Benefit in September 2025
For September 2025, eligible Ontarians can expect payments to arrive on September 10, 2025, in line with the monthly cycle. For those receiving a lump-sum, the full amount would have already been deposited in July 2025.
FAQs – Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025
1. Who qualifies for the Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2025?
Residents of Ontario who filed a 2024 tax return and are eligible for at least one of the OSTC, OEPTC, or NOEC credits.
2. How much can I receive through the OTB?
The amount varies depending on income, household size, and expenses, but payments may be issued as a lump-sum ($360 or less) or in monthly installments (more than $360).
3. When are OTB payments made?
Payments are issued on the 10th of each month. For 2025–2026, they begin in July 2025 and run until June 2026.
4. Do I need to apply separately for OTB?
No. Eligibility is automatically determined when you file your 2024 tax return with the ON-BEN form if necessary.
5. How do I check my OTB payment status?
You can log in to CRA My Account to view your eligibility, payment schedule, and whether your benefit is monthly or lump-sum.