Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) 2022

If you’ve recently moved out of your parents’ home, you’ve probably come to realize very quickly just how expensive it can be. There are so many costs to cover, such as groceries, utility bills, mortgage or rent payments, and property taxes, all of which can rapidly drain your bank account and cause financial hardship.

The cost of living is exceptionally high in Ontario, home to some of Canada’s most expensive cities. To help Ontario residents manage the soaring living costs, the provincial government offers the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB).

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.

Eligibility Requirements For The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Payment

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.

Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Payment Dates 2021	Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Payment Dates 2022
January 8, 2021	January 10, 2022
February 10, 2021	February 10, 2022
March 10, 2021	March 10, 2022
April 9, 2021	April 8, 2022
May 10, 2021	May 10, 2022
June 10, 2021	June 10, 2022
July 9, 2021	July 8, 2022
August 10, 2021	August 10, 2022
September 10, 2021	September 9, 2022
October 8, 2021	October 7, 2022
November 10, 2021	November 10, 2022
December 10, 2021	December 9, 2022

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?

No, OTB payments are not taxable; you’re not required to include them in your taxable income.

If I’m married, will we both receive the OTB?

The OTB amount you’re eligible for is assigned based on the combined income of you and your spouse, but the credit will only be issued to one individual. If your spouse has already applied for the OTB, there’s no need for you to do so as well.

How will I receive my OTB payments?

If you’ve registered for direct deposit, you will receive your payments via direct deposit. If not, you’ll receive a cheque by mail.

Can I receive my OTB payments in one lump sum?

Generally, you will receive your OTB payments in one lump sum if your annual OTB payment is less than $360. This typically will be paid out in July. If your OTB payment is more than $360, you can still get your OTB payment in one lump sum by opting to receive your benefit at the end of the benefit year. To do this, simply tix the box 61060 under the section “Choice for delayed single OTB payment” on the ON‑BEN form.

What’s the minimum OTB payment you can receive?

The minimum amount you can qualify for is $2. However, if you qualify for anything between $2 and $10, you will simply receive a payment of $10. If you qualify for an OTB payment of less than $2, you won’t receive anything.

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.

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Mark Gregorski

Mark is a writer who specializes in writing content for companies in the financial services industry. He has written articles about personal finance, mortgages, and real estate and is passionate about educating people on how to make smart financial decisions. Mark graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a degree in finance and has more than ten years' experience as an accountant. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing poker, going to the gym, composing music, and learning about digital marketing.