Low- and moderate-income families in Ontario can receive up to $1,800 in Trillium benefits for the July 2024 to June 2025 payment period.
Made up of three tax credits, the OTB is provided to qualified Ontario residents to cover taxes and energy costs they paid for throughout the year.
This post will detail how much you can get, when you can receive it, the eligibility requirements and how to apply for the benefit.
Overview of the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a refundable tax credit paid monthly to individuals who meet the government’s requirements.
The OTB is a combination of these three credits that help residents pay for energy expenses and sales and property tax:
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
The OTB is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Ontario provincial government. The benefit period is from July to June.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Amounts
The OTB amount you receive is the total of the amounts you would get for each of the three tax credit programs. It also depends on these factors:
- Age
- Income
- Marital status
- Family size
- Residence
- The amount you pay in rent or property tax
Below are the respective benefit amounts of the three tax credits:
| Northern Ontario Energy Credit | |
| Recipient | Maximum Amount |
| Single | $180 |
| Families | $277 |
| Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit | |
| Age / Description | Maximum Amount |
| Between 18 and 64 years old | $1,248 |
| 65 or older | $1,421 |
| Residing in a reserve or in a public long-term care facility | $277 |
| Lived in a college or school residence in 2023 | $25 |
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit | |
| Age / Description | Maximum Amount |
| Maximum amount | $360 |
| Your spouse or common-law partner | Up to $360 |
| Each dependent child below 19 years | Up to $360 |
For 2024, the OTB payments are based on your 2023 income tax and benefit return. You can specify on the return if you want to receive a lump-sum payment of your OTB entitlement.
- If your annual benefit is more than $360 (and you chose to get a lump-sum payment of your 2024 benefit), the CRA will issue a single payment at the end of the benefit year or on June 10, 2025.
- If the amount is $360 or less, you will receive one lump-sum payment in the first month of the benefit year, typically in July.
There is a minimum OTB amount of $10. If your benefit amount is over $2 but less than $10, you will receive one payment of $10. For amounts of $2 or less, no payment will be issued.
To estimate your OTB payments, use the Child and Family Benefits calculator.
Payment Dates
The CRA issues the Trillium benefits on the 10th of each month. For this year, it will start on July 10, 2024. If the 10th of the month falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday, the payment date will be moved to the last working day before the 10th.
| Payment Month | Payment Date |
| January | January 10, 2024 |
| February | February 9, 2024 |
| March | March 8, 2024 |
| April | April 10, 2024 |
| May | May 10, 2024 |
| June | June 10, 2024 |
| July | July 10, 2024 |
| August | August 9, 2024 |
| September | September 10, 2024 |
| October | October 10, 2024 |
| November | November 8, 2024 |
| December | December 10, 2024 |
How to Receive Your OTB Payments
Once determined to be eligible for the benefit, you will typically receive the payment through direct deposit. You can sign up for direct deposit using the CRA My Account service or by completing the Canada direct deposit enrolment form.
Otherwise, if you file your income tax by April 30, you will receive a cheque in the mail starting in July.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive the OTB monthly payments, you must meet the eligibility criteria and be qualified to receive at least one of the three credits (NOEC, OEPTC or OSTC).
If you are deemed eligible to receive the Trillium benefit, the CRA will send you a notice informing you of your eligibility and entitlement. In order for you to keep receiving your OTB payments, make sure to file your tax return each year.
If you turn 18 before June 2025, you will be considered for the OTB if you apply and file your tax return on time. If you are eligible for the benefit, you will receive the next scheduled payment after you turn 18.
How to Apply for the Trillium Benefit
You receive your OTB payments for 2024 when you file your personal Income Tax and Benefit Return, even if you do not have an income to report. Fill out the ON-BEN Application form and enclose it along with your tax return package.
The Canada Revenue Agency will use the information on your 2023 income tax and benefit return to determine if you qualify for the Trillium benefits. Make sure to file your tax return by April 30.
