The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) helps eligible Ontarians cover some of the cost of energy, sales tax, and property taxes. Here’s how the benefit works, who qualifies, when the next OTB payment date is, and what to expect when payments are issued.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The OTB is the combined payment of three provincial benefits for Ontario residents. You need to be eligible for at least one of these three credits to receive the benefit.
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): This tax-free credit applies to a portion of eligible Ontario residents’ property tax and sales tax on energy. Your OEPTC amount depends on several factors, including your age and marital status, as well as your energy costs, property tax or rent paid during the year. The maximum OEPTC is $1,461 for seniors aged 64 and older and $1,283 for other Canadians.
- The Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): This tax credit is available to eligible Northern Ontario residents and offsets the higher energy costs paid by those living in that part of the province. The NOEC amount you receive depends on many factors, including your adjusted family net income, your marital status and whether you have children. The maximum NOEC entitlement is $185 for single individuals with no children and $285 for couples and single parents. If you are a single individual with no children, the credit is reduced by 1% of your adjusted net income over $49,885. And if you are a family, the credit is reduced by 1% of your adjusted family net income over $64,138.
- The Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): This is a tax-free payment to eligible Ontarians to offset sales tax. The OSTC provides a maximum annual credit of $371 for each adult and each child in a family. The amount received depends on your age and marital status.
Although the OTB is funded by the province of Ontario, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the program on behalf of the province.
OTB payment dates for 2026
The OTB is issued on the 10th day of the month, every month. If that date falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, it will be issued for the last “working day” before the 10th. The OTB payment schedule (known as the benefit year) runs from July to June of the following calendar year, because payments are based on your previous year’s tax returns.
The next 2025 OTB payments, based on your 2024 income tax return and issued in 2026, will be paid:
- January 9, 2026
- February 10, 2026
- March 10, 2026
- April 10, 2026
- May 8, 2026
- June 10, 2026
The 2026 OTB payments, based on your 2025 tax return and issued in 2026, will be paid:
- July 10, 2026
- August 10, 2026
- September 10, 2026
- October 9, 2026
- November 10, 2026
- December 10, 2026
Also read
Income Tax Guide for Canadians
Deadlines, tax tips and more
How much is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The OTB you receive is equal to the combined amount for each of the Ontario energy and property tax credit, Northern Ontario energy credit and Ontario sales tax credit.
The amount received depends on your:
- Age
- Income
- Residence
- Number of family members within the household
- Amount paid in rent or property tax
You can estimate your OTB entitlement by using the Government of Canada’s and CRA’s child and family benefits calculator.
If your payment amount is more than $2 but less than $10, the amount is increased to $10. You will not receive a payment if the amount is for $2 or less.
In most cases, your annual OTB amount is divided by 12 and issued once per month. However, there are a few exceptions.
How to receive a single OTB payment
Ontarians with an OTB of $360 or less automatically receive their payment in a single lump sum. And if your OTB is $360 or more, you can choose to receive it in a single payment. Instead of receiving monthly payments from July 2026 to June 2027, those who opt for this option will receive a single payment at the end of the benefit year, in June 2027.
You can choose to receive a single OTB payment when filling out your 2025 tax return. Tick box 61060 in the area called “Choice for delayed single OTB payment” on Form ON‑BEN, Application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit and Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant.
Who can apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
Ontario residents do not have to apply for the OTB. You are automatically eligible for 2026 OTB payments once you file your 2025 tax return. However, if your tax return is assessed on June 20, 2026, or later, the payment may be delayed, with your first payment issued within four to eight weeks of your assessment.
FAQs
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB is a monthly, tax-free payment for eligible Ontario residents that combines three provincial credits: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. The benefit is meant to help offset sales tax, energy costs, and property taxes.
When are OTB payments issued in 2026?
Payments will be issued once per month, around the 10th of the month. If the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is sent on the business day before.
Do I qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
To qualify for OTB, you must be a resident of Ontario, be 19 or older, have filed an income tax return, and meet the income and eligibility requirements for one or more of the credits.
Do I need to apply separately for the OTB?
No, you don’t need to apply separately for the OTB. You are automatically assessed for the benefit when you file your annual tax return and complete the ON-BEN application form.
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More payment dates to watch for:
- Canada Pension Plan payment dates
- Old Age Security payment dates
- Canada Carbon Rebate dates
- Canada Child Benefit payment dates
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