The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) continues to play a vital role in helping low- to moderate-income individuals and families manage the rising costs of living in Ontario. With the new benefit year now underway, many are asking: Who qualifies for the Trillium Benefit in 2025? How much can you expect to receive? When are the payments scheduled?
Here’s everything you need to know about the OTB payment dates, eligibility, and amounts for 2025, as well as how this fits into broader government relief efforts across Canada this year.
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What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a monthly tax-free payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Ontario government. It combines three separate credits into one single benefit:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
If you qualify for any of these credits based on your previous year’s income tax return, the CRA will automatically calculate and pay your 2025 benefit in 12 monthly instalments starting in July 2025.
Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025 Payment Dates
OTB payments are issued monthly on the 10th of each month (or the next business day if the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday). For 2025, the official payment schedule is:
- January 10, 2025
- February 10, 2025
- March 10, 2025
- April 10, 2025
- May 9, 2025
- June 10, 2025
- July 10, 2025
- August 8, 2025
- September 10, 2025
- October 10, 2025
- November 10, 2025
- December 10, 2025
If your annual entitlement is $360 or less, you’ll receive it as a lump sum payment in July 2025 rather than monthly.
How Often Do You Get the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
Most people receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit every month if their calculated benefit is more than $360 for the year. If your entitlement is below that threshold, it will be paid once a year as a single lump-sum deposit or cheque.
Who Qualifies for the Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2025?
You may qualify for the OTB if you:
- Were a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2024
- Filed your 2024 income tax and benefit return, even if you had no income
- Meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the following:
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
- You’re 19 or older, or you have (or had) a spouse/common-law partner, or you’re a parent living with your child
- You may receive up to $345 per adult and $345 per child
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- You paid rent or property tax in Ontario in 2024, or lived in a long-term care home, or lived on a reserve
- Maximum: Up to $1,194 for non-seniors and $1,436 for seniors
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- You lived in Northern Ontario and paid rent/property tax
- Maximum: $172 for single individuals, $265 for families
Your total household income, age, living situation, and whether you have children will all impact the exact amount you qualify for.
How Much is the Trillium Benefit in 2025?
Amounts vary by individual but here’s a general breakdown of maximum amounts:
| Credit Type | Maximum Amount (2025) |
|---|---|
| OSTC (per person) | $345 |
| OEPTC (non-senior) | $1,194 |
| OEPTC (senior) | $1,436 |
| NOEC (individual) | $172 |
| NOEC (family) | $265 |
Combined, this means a senior living in Northern Ontario with qualifying expenses could receive more than $2,000 in total OTB benefits across the year.
Are Canadians Getting Extra Money in 2025?
Yes, many Canadians are receiving extra support in 2025, not just from the OTB. Other indexed federal and provincial benefits have also increased this year, including:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – increased by 2.7%
- GST/HST Credit – adjusted for inflation
- Canada Carbon Rebate (formerly Climate Action Incentive) – quarterly payments increased
- CPP and OAS payments – inflation-indexed increases in effect
- New provincial top-ups in some regions for child and housing support
These increases are part of ongoing federal and provincial efforts to help families and seniors cope with inflation, rent hikes, and rising utility bills.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Ontario and are struggling with housing, energy, or sales tax costs, the Ontario Trillium Benefit can provide meaningful monthly relief. Payments are automatic — all you need to do is file your tax return on time to ensure you qualify.
If your OTB payment seems low or missing, log in to your CRA My Account to check your status or consult a tax professional to make sure you’re receiving your full entitlement.
Make sure your 2024 tax return is filed as early as possible in 2025 to avoid missing out on monthly payments starting in July 2025.