The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is an important financial assistance program designed to help eligible residents of Ontario with everyday living costs, including sales tax, energy bills, and property taxes. In 2025, the OTB will continue to provide valuable support to low- and moderate-income households, seniors, and residents of Northern Ontario. This guide covers the payment dates, eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and the application process to help ensure you receive the full benefit.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Dates in 2025
Payments for the Ontario Trillium Benefit will be issued monthly, on the 10th of each month. If the 10th falls on a weekend or public holiday, payments will be made on the previous business day. Below are the payment dates for 2025:
- January 10, 2025
- February 10, 2025
- March 10, 2025
- April 10, 2025
- May 9, 2025 (due to the holiday on May 10)
- June 10, 2025
- July 10, 2025
- August 8, 2025 (due to the holiday on August 10)
- September 10, 2025
- October 10, 2025
- November 10, 2025
- December 10, 2025
Eligibility for the Ontario Trillium Benefit
To qualify for the OTB, you must meet specific criteria for one or more of the three credits that make up the benefit. Here’s a breakdown of each credit and its eligibility requirements:
1. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
The Ontario Sales Tax Credit helps offset the sales tax paid on goods and services. To qualify for the OSTC:
- You must be at least 19 years old.
- You must either live with a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent living with your child.
- The amount you receive depends on your income and household size, with low- to moderate-income individuals and families receiving the full credit.
2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
The OEPTC assists with the costs of property taxes and energy expenses. To be eligible for the OEPTC:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have paid property taxes or rent, or incurred energy costs for your home.
- For renters, eligibility may depend on whether your landlord is required to pay property taxes.
- Seniors aged 65 or older are eligible for a higher maximum credit.
3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
The NOEC helps with the higher costs of energy in Northern Ontario. To qualify for the NOEC:
- You must live in Northern Ontario as of December 31 of the previous year.
- You must meet the age and income requirements and have incurred energy costs for your home.
The NOEC provides up to $180 for single individuals and up to $277 for families.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you will receive from the OTB depends on your eligibility for each of the credits:
1. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
- Maximum Amount: $360 per person.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals and families are most likely to qualify for the full credit, paid monthly.
2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- For individuals 18-64 years old: Up to $1,248.
- For seniors 65 years and older: Up to $1,421.
- Eligibility: The amount depends on your income and property tax or energy costs.
3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Single individuals: Up to $180.
- Families: Up to $277.
The NOEC is added to your total OTB amount if you’re eligible.
How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit
To receive the OTB, you need to file an income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Here’s how to apply:
- File Your Tax Return: Make sure to file your income tax return by April 30, 2024 to avoid delays in receiving your payments.
- Complete the ON-BEN Application: When filing your tax return, include the ON-BEN application form to be automatically assessed for OTB eligibility.
- Provide Accurate Information: Double-check your details, such as income, property taxes, and energy costs, to ensure accurate and timely OTB payments.
Conclusion
The Ontario Trillium Benefit remains a vital program to support residents in Ontario by easing the burden of sales tax, property tax, and energy costs. By understanding the eligibility criteria, payment dates, and benefit amounts, you can ensure that you’re taking full advantage of this program. Make sure to file your taxes on time and include the ON-BEN form to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable financial assistance.
Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025: FAQ
1. What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)? The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a financial aid program designed to support Ontario residents by offering relief for sales tax, energy bills, and property taxes. The OTB combines three credits: the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC), the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC).
2. When will I receive my Ontario Trillium Benefit payments in 2025? OTB payments are made on the 10th of each month. If the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday, payments will be issued on the previous business day. For example, payments in May 2025 will be issued on May 9th.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for the Ontario Trillium Benefit? To qualify for the OTB, you must meet the criteria for one or more of the three credits:
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Must be at least 19 years old and meet income and household size requirements.
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): Must be 18 years or older and have paid property taxes or rent, or incurred energy costs for your home.
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Must reside in Northern Ontario, meet age and income requirements, and have incurred energy costs.
4. How much can I receive from the Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2025? The amount you receive depends on your eligibility for each of the three credits:
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Up to $360 per person.
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): Up to $1,248 for individuals aged 18-64, and up to $1,421 for seniors 65+.
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Up to $180 for singles and up to $277 for families.
5. How do I apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit? To apply for the OTB, you must file an income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). When filing, complete the ON-BEN application form to be automatically assessed for eligibility. Ensure that all income, property tax, and energy cost information is accurate to avoid delays.
6. What happens if I miss the tax filing deadline? If you miss the April 30 deadline to file your tax return, it may delay your OTB payments. To avoid this, make sure to file your tax return on time and include the ON-BEN form.
7. Will my OTB payments be affected by any changes in my household or income? Yes, any changes in your household size, income, or other eligibility factors could affect the amount of OTB you receive. You must report any relevant changes to the CRA to ensure your payments reflect your current circumstances.
8. Are there any additional benefits for seniors or Northern Ontario residents? Yes, seniors aged 65 or older are eligible for a higher maximum credit for the OEPTC, and residents of Northern Ontario can receive additional support through the NOEC.
9. Can I receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit if I live outside Ontario? No, the OTB is only available to residents of Ontario. You must live in Ontario as of December 31 of the previous year to be eligible for the benefit.
10. How will I receive my Ontario Trillium Benefit payments? OTB payments are typically made by direct deposit into your bank account or by cheque. Be sure to keep your CRA account up to date with your banking information to ensure you receive your payments on time.