The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) helps eligible Ontario residents with part of their energy, sales tax and property tax costs. Below is a clear explanation of what the benefit covers, who qualifies, when payments are issued, how amounts are calculated, and options for receiving payments.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The OTB is a single combined payment that brings together three provincial credits for Ontarians. To receive the OTB you must qualify for at least one of the following components:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): A tax-free credit that helps with a portion of property tax (or rent) and energy-related sales tax. The OEPTC amount depends on factors such as age, marital status, energy costs and rent or property tax paid during the year. There are higher maximums for seniors.
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): A tax-free credit for eligible residents of Northern Ontario to help offset higher regional energy costs. Entitlement varies with adjusted family net income, marital status and number of children. The credit reduces gradually as income rises above specified thresholds.
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): A tax-free payment to offset provincial sales tax for eligible residents. The amount depends on age, marital status and family composition.
Although funded by the province of Ontario, the program is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the province.
OTB payment schedule and dates
OTB payments are generally issued monthly, around the 10th of each month. If the 10th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, payments are issued on the last business day before the 10th. The benefit year runs from July to June because monthly payments are based on information from the prior calendar year’s tax return.
Payments based on your 2024 tax return (paid in early 2026) are scheduled as follows:
- January 9, 2026
- February 10, 2026
- March 10, 2026
- April 10, 2026
- May 8, 2026
- June 10, 2026
Payments based on your 2025 tax return (paid across the 2026–2027 benefit year) are scheduled as follows:
- July 10, 2026
- August 10, 2026
- September 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
- November 10, 2026
- December 10, 2026
How OTB amounts are calculated
Your total OTB payment is the sum of any entitlements from the OEPTC, NOEC and OSTC. The amount you receive depends on factors including age, adjusted family net income, where you live, household size, and the rent or property tax you paid during the tax year.
To estimate your entitlement, use the Government of Canada/CRA child and family benefits calculator available on the official government website. Small payments are adjusted: if the calculated monthly amount is more than $2 but less than $10, it is increased to $10; amounts of $2 or less are not paid.
Typically the annual OTB total is divided by 12 and paid monthly. Certain situations and timing differences may lead to variations in how and when payments start.
Receiving a single (lump-sum) OTB payment
If your total annual OTB is $360 or less, you will automatically receive it as a single lump-sum payment. If your annual OTB is $360 or more, you may opt to receive the full amount as a single payment at the end of the benefit year instead of monthly installments. To choose the delayed single payment, indicate your preference on the ON‑BEN form when filing your tax return—tick the box for “Choice for delayed single OTB payment.” The single payment for the 2026 benefit year would be issued at the end of June 2027 for those who choose that option.
Who is eligible and how to get OTB payments
You do not need to apply separately for the OTB. Eligibility is determined when you file your provincial/territorial and federal income tax returns and complete the ON‑BEN application area. To receive OTB payments for a given benefit year, file the prior year’s tax return. If your tax return is assessed late in the year—on or after June 20—the start of your payments may be delayed; in such cases the first payment is usually issued within four to eight weeks after the assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB is a monthly, tax-free payment for eligible Ontario residents that combines three provincial credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. It is designed to help with sales tax, energy costs and property tax or rent.
When are OTB payments issued?
Payments are issued once per month, around the 10th. If the 10th is a weekend or holiday, payments are sent on the last business day before the 10th.
Do I qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
Qualifying residents are typically Ontario residents who are at least 19 years of age, have filed an income tax return and meet the income and eligibility rules for one or more of the underlying credits. Specific eligibility and income thresholds vary by credit.
Do I need to apply separately?
No. You are automatically assessed for the OTB when you file your annual tax return and complete the ON‑BEN application on the tax forms.
Also read
Income Tax Guide for Canadians
Deadlines, tax tips and more
More payment dates to watch for
- Canada Pension Plan payment dates
- Old Age Security payment dates
- Canada Carbon Rebate dates
- Canada Child Benefit payment dates