The amalgamated payment program called the Ontario Trillium Benefit is given out to those who receive tax credits from OSTC, OEPTC, and NOEC. These credits are meant to provide some relief to low- and middle-income earners with sales tax, energy tax, and property taxes.
Who Is Eligible?
You only need to be eligible for one of the OTB credits in order to receive the combined benefit.
- OSTC: Must be an Ontario resident before June 1, 2026, and meets at least one of the following requirements: 19 years of age or more in the year of application, have a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent living with a child.
- OEPTC: Must be an Ontario resident as at December 31, 2024, and meet the age- or family-related criteria. Having incurred certain housing costs—property tax or rent—in 2024 for your principle residence.
NOEC has eligibility criteria similar to those of OEPTC for eligible energy or accommodation costs for residents of eligible Northern Ontario regions.
How To Apply
To be eligible for the OTB, simply file your income tax and benefit return for 2024. Based on this filing, the CRA will assess your eligibility—there is no separate application for OSTC. For OEPTC and NOEC, however, Form ON-BEN has to be submitted along with your return.
Payment Schedule And Method
Normally, OTB payments are issued on the 10th of each month from July 2025 through June 2026, on the basis of your 2024 return. Should the 10th of a particular month happen to fall on a weekend or holiday, the payment will be serviced on the last working day before that date.
Exceptions To This Rule:
- In cases where the annual OTB entitlement is $360 or less, payments will be made in a lump sum, generally in July 2025.
- If the entitlement exceeds $360 and one has elected this method of payment, a single payment shall be made at the end of the benefit year, that is, on June 10, 2026, instead of monthly payments.
- The funds shall be deposited directly into the payee’s account through direct deposit (if set up for direct deposit) under the designation Canada Pro Deposit, or cheque will be issued otherwise.
Understanding Payment Amounts
The total OTB amount is the sum of the credits that you are entitled to: OSTC, OEPTC, and NOEC.
For example:
- As much as $371 per person under OSTC
- OEPTC gives $1,283 (18–64 years) or $1,461 (65+), with adjustments made depending on the type of residence.
- NOEC gives up to $185 per single or $285 per family.
Also Read: $2,500 CRA Deposit For Seniors: CPP & OAS Eligibility And Payment Timeline