The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a combined monthly payment that helps low- to moderate-income Ontarians with essential living costs like energy, property taxes, and sales tax. The benefit includes three provincial tax credits and is delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This article provides a detailed overview of 2025 payment dates, eligibility rules, amounts, and answers the question: Does everyone get the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
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Ontario Trillium Benefit Dates 2025
For the 2025–2026 benefit year, monthly OTB payments are issued from July 2025 to June 2026, usually on the 10th of each month (or the previous business day if the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday).
2025 Ontario Trillium Benefit Schedule:
| Month | Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Date |
|---|---|
| June 2025 | June 10 |
| July 2025 | July 10 |
| August 2025 | August 8 |
| September 2025 | September 10 |
| October 2025 | October 10 |
| November 2025 | November 10 |
| December 2025 | December 10 |
From January to June 2026, payments will continue on the 10th of each month.
Note:
- If your total OTB amount is $360 or less, you’ll receive a lump-sum payment in July 2025.
- You can also request your entire benefit in a single payment in June 2026 by selecting the one-time payment option on your tax return (Box 61060 on Form ON-BEN).
Ontario Trillium Benefit Eligibility
To qualify, you must be a resident of Ontario and meet the criteria for at least one of the following three credits:
1. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
- Be an Ontario resident as of December 31, 2024
- Be at least 19 years old, a parent, or have a spouse or common-law partner
2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Be an Ontario resident on December 31, 2024
- Paid property tax or rent on your principal residence
- Paid energy costs, or lived in a public or non-profit long-term care home
- Additional entitlements apply for seniors aged 64+
3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Lived in Northern Ontario on December 31, 2024
- Paid rent or property tax for your main residence
- Paid for home energy costs
You must file a 2024 tax return to be assessed for OTB, even if you had no income. Eligibility is not automatic unless a return is filed.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Amount
| Credit Type | Maximum Annual Amount (2025 estimates) |
|---|---|
| OSTC | Up to $371 per adult or child |
| OEPTC | Up to $1,248 (ages 18–64), $1,421 (65+) |
| NOEC | Up to $185 (single) or $285 (family) |
Other top-ups may apply, such as:
- Up to $277 for those living on a reserve or in a public long-term care facility
- Up to $25 for post-secondary students in residence
Depending on your age, income, and housing situation, your total OTB could exceed $2,000 per year.
Does Everyone Get the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
No, not everyone receives the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a resident of Ontario
- Qualify for at least one of the three credit components
- File a tax return for the 2024 tax year
Individuals who do not meet these requirements or fail to file their taxes will not receive OTB payments, even if their income is low.
What is the Maximum Income to Qualify for Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is income-tested, meaning your benefit amount is gradually reduced as your income increases.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
- Phase-out begins at:
- $28,500 for single individuals
- $35,600 for couples or families
- Reduced by 4% of income over these thresholds
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Phase-out begins at:
- $49,900 for single individuals
- $64,100 for families
While higher-income households may still qualify for reduced amounts, once your income is well above these levels, your OTB entitlement may drop to zero. Income thresholds can vary slightly each year, depending on inflation adjustments.
How to Apply
There is no separate application form for the OTB. To apply:
- File your 2024 income tax return.
- Complete Form ON-BEN (included in your tax return package).
- Indicate whether you want monthly payments or a single lump-sum payment in June 2026 (Box 61060).
- Enroll in direct deposit through CRA to avoid delays.
Key Takeaways
- Payment Dates: 10th of each month, July 2025 to June 2026
- Eligibility: Must qualify for at least one of OSTC, OEPTC, or NOEC
- Amount: Up to $2,000+ annually depending on age, income, rent/tax paid
- Not Universal: Only those who file taxes and meet credit requirements will receive it
Other Ontario Benefit Payments Available in 2025
Ontario residents may also qualify for additional provincial benefits, some of which are automatically assessed when filing your 2024 tax return.
✅ Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
The Ontario Child Benefit helps low- to moderate-income families with the cost of raising children under 18.
- Maximum: Up to $1,607 per child annually (2025 estimate)
- Eligibility: Based on family net income and number of children
- Delivery: Paid monthly along with the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
✅ Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG)
Aimed at helping low-income senior homeowners with property tax costs.
- Maximum: Up to $500 per year
- Eligibility: 64+ years old, resident homeowner, income under threshold (~$50,000)
- Application: Use Form ON-BEN when filing taxes
✅ Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
Emergency financial help for households at risk of disconnection due to unpaid electricity or gas bills.
- Maximum: Up to $500 for electricity and $600 for natural gas
- Eligibility: Based on household size, income, and overdue bill status
- Application: Apply through a local social services agency
✅ Energy Affordability Program (EAP)
Free energy-saving upgrades for eligible low-income households (lightbulbs, insulation, appliances).
- Eligibility: Based on household income or social assistance status
- Application: Apply through the program website or call-in line
✅ Healthy Smiles Ontario
Free dental care for children and youth (under 18) from low-income families.
- Services Covered: Check-ups, fillings, extractions, emergency dental
- Eligibility: Based on household income and family size
✅ Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
These programs provide monthly financial assistance for basic needs (food, rent) and medical support.
- OW: For individuals and families in temporary financial need
- ODSP: For people with disabilities who have low or no income
- Application: Through local Ontario Works/ODSP offices or online portal
Final Thoughts
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a vital support for many Ontarians facing rising living costs. However, it’s not automatically granted to all residents—you must file a tax return and meet specific criteria. By understanding the payment schedule, eligibility rules, and maximum entitlements, you can ensure you receive the full benefit you’re entitled to in 2025.
Ontario offers a range of provincial benefits to help residents manage rising living costs—from property taxes and child care to energy bills and medical support. While programs like the Ontario Trillium Benefit are assessed automatically through tax filing, others require a separate application. To make sure you receive what you’re entitled to in 2025, file your 2024 taxes on time, complete Form ON-BEN, and explore programs based on your age, income, and household situation.