The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a monthly payment you get from the province of Ontario. It helps low-to-moderate income households in Ontario pay for energy costs and assorted taxes. It is not a personal loan but you do have to apply to get the benefit.
The OTB is not the same as the Canada Fed Payment. However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also deposits the Trillium Benefit into your bank account.
The OTB payment is for energy, some property taxes, and sales tax relief. Also, getting the Ontario Trillium Benefit does not affect your credit score.
You realize very quickly just how expensive life is. There are so many costs to cover, such as groceries, utility bills, mortgage or rent payments, and property taxes.
These just add up to more debt for Canadians. That is why the OTB payment exists – to help Ontarians minimize the financial impact of certain costs.
Here is everything to know about the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the OTB payment dates.
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What Is The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB is a refundable tax credit designed to provide financial relief for low-to-moderate-income Ontarians. It aims to offset some of the living costs homeowners face, such as utility bills and property taxes. The benefit is a combination of the following three credits:
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) – The Northern Ontario Energy Credit is a tax-free payment that assists Northern Ontarians with the high energy costs they contend with living in the north.
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) – The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit is a tax-free payment that helps Ontario residents cover their property taxes and the sales tax on their energy costs.
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)– The Ontario Sales Tax Credit is a tax-free payment designed to offset a portion of the sales tax Ontarians pay for goods and services.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Payment Eligibilty Requirements
To qualify for the OTB, you need to be eligible to receive at least one of these three credits.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this credit, you must be a resident of Northern Ontario and fall into at least one of the following categories:
- At least 18 years of age
- Have or previously had a spouse or partner
- A parent who lives with or has lived with their child
Also, you must have paid for either:
- Property taxes or rent on your primary residence
- Occupancy costs while living in a nursing home
- Home energy costs while living on a reserve.
Is going green important to you. Check out these green tax credits, rebates and government programs.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this credit, you must fall into at least one of the following categories:
- At least 18 years of age
- Have or previously had a spouse or partner
- A parent who lives with or has lived with their child
Also, you must have paid for either:
- Property taxes or rent on your primary residence
- Occupancy costs while living in a nursing home
- Home energy costs while living on a reserve.
You also qualify if you lived in a post-secondary school residence in the previous year.
Are you and your family eligible for the GST/HST tax credit?
Ontario Sales Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this credit, you must fall into at least one of the following categories:
- At least 19 years of age
- Married, previously married, or in a common-law relationship
- A parent who lives with or has lived with their child
Does your child or spouse have a disability? Then you should check out the disability tax credit.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Schedule
The OTB payment period runs from July to June of next year. For example for the tax year 2021, your payments will start from July 2022 to June 2023.
You will receive the OTB monthly payments if your benefit is more than $360, but you also have the option to receive one lump-sum payment at the end of the OTB payment period. If your payment is less than $360, you’ll be paid the entire amount in July.
You can opt for a lump sum payment instead of 12 monthly Ontario Trillium Benefit payments. The deadline to ask for the change is December 23, 2023.
| Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Payment Dates 2023 |
| January 10, 2023 |
| February 10, 2023 |
| March 10, 2023 |
| April 10, 2023 |
| May 9, 2023 |
| June 10, 2023 |
| July 10, 2023 |
| August 10, 2023 |
| September 8, 2023 |
| October 7, 2023 |
| November 10, 2023 |
| December 8, 2023 |
Check out the payment dates for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
How Much Can You Receive With the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The amount of OTB you receive will depend on your age, income, family size, residence, and how much you pay in rent or property tax. Below is an overview of what you can expect to get based on the three credits that constitute the OTB.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
If you’re single, the maximum payment you’re entitled to is $158. If you have a family, the maximum payment is $243.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
You could receive a maximum OEPTC payment of:
- $1,095 if you’re between 18 and 64 years old
- $1,247 if you’re over 65 years old
- $243 if you live on a reserve or in a long-term care facility
- $25 if you’re a student living in a post-secondary school residence
Are you a student? Check out these student tax credits and deductions.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
The maximum OSTC payment you can get is $316. This amount is for every adult and child in your household.
Maximum Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Amount Annually
| Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) | $158 – If you’re a single individual $243 – If you have a family |
| Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) | $1,095 – if you’re between 18 and 64 years old $1,247 – if you’re over 65 years old $243 – if you live on a reserve or in a long-term care facility $25 – if you’re a student living in a post-secondary school residence |
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) | $316 – For each child and adult in the household |
How Do You Apply For The OTB?
To qualify for the OTB, you must file your income tax return and benefit return. Beware, if you file late, your OTB payments may be delayed.
- NOEC And OEPTC – To be considered for the NOEC and OEPTC, you must complete Form ON-BEN and submit it together with your tax return.
- OSTC – There is no document to fill out to receive OSTC payments; the CRA will evaluate the details from your tax return to decide whether you’re eligible or not.
Once you’re approved for OTB payments, you must reapply each year when you file your tax return to continue receiving them. You’re not guaranteed the same monthly payments during each OTB period. The CRA will make adjustments to your payments based on changes in your family’s net income, age, place of residence, and other factors.
Additional Reading
Ontario Trillium Benefit FAQs
Is the OTB taxable?
If I’m married, will we both receive the OTB?
How will I receive my OTB payments?
Can I receive my OTB payments in one lump sum?
What’s the minimum OTB payment you can receive?
Final Thoughts
If you’re an Ontarian, you’re fully aware of how hard it can be to maintain a basic standard of living. Hence, anything that can relieve the financial pressure is helpful. If you’re a low-income earner, applying for the OTB during tax season is a no-brainer, as it will supply you with some extra income with no strings attached.
