Ontario residents who are eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) will be receiving their payments soon, with the April payment date set for Thursday, April 10.
Here’s everything you need to know about the OTB, including eligibility, payment dates, and how to apply.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a combined three-in-one payment designed to support eligible Ontarians. It includes the following credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax credit
- Northern Ontario energy credit
- Ontario sales tax credit
These credits are intended to provide financial assistance to help with living costs, particularly those related to energy and property taxes.
When Will You Receive the OTB?
The April OTB payment is scheduled for April 10. However, if you don’t receive your payment by April 28, you may want to check its status through the CRA’s My Account portal.
The CRA has stated that no further information will be available regarding these payments before April 28.
Other Provincial and Federal Payments in April
April also sees several other important benefit payments, including:
- Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) benefit
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Veteran Disability Pension payments
Filing Your Taxes to Stay Eligible for OTB
To continue receiving the Ontario Trillium Benefit, it is mandatory to file your income tax and benefit return on time every year. This applies even if you have no income to report.
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they must also file their return annually.
Important Tax Deadlines
- April 30 – Deadline to file your taxes for most individuals.
- June 16 – Deadline for self-employed individuals and their spouse or common-law partner to file their taxes.
Your OTB payments are based on your income tax and benefit return for the previous year (2023). The OTB entitlement is typically divided into 12 monthly payments.
Who Is Eligible for the OTB?
To qualify for the OTB, you must meet certain criteria and be eligible for at least one of the following credits:
- Ontario energy and Property Tax credit
- Northern Ontario energy credit
- Ontario sales tax credit
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet the following conditions to be eligible:
- Paid property tax or rent for your principal residence in Ontario during the previous year.
- Paid living expenses for a nursing home.
- Paid energy costs while living on an Ontario reserve.
- Lived in a designated post-secondary school residence during the prior year.
Your eligibility is also determined by factors such as family net income, residence, age, and family status.
How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit
To receive the three-in-one benefit, you must file your Income Tax and Benefit Return for the previous year. Be sure to include the ON-BEN Application Form that comes with your tax return package.
Even if you have no income to report, you are still required to file your return each year to apply for the OTB. Based on your tax return, the CRA will determine whether you qualify for the benefit.
Payment Amount
The amount you receive depends on various factors, such as your income and eligibility for the credits. You can use the Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate your potential OTB payment.
Upcoming OTB Payment Dates for 2025
- May 9
- June 10
- July 10
- Aug. 8
- Sept. 10
- Oct. 10
- Nov. 10
- Dec. 10
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is an essential financial support for eligible Ontario residents, offering assistance through the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario sales tax credit. By filing your income tax return on time, you ensure that you remain eligible for these benefits.
For more information, you can visit the government’s official website to explore the application process, eligibility requirements, and other details about the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t file my taxes on time?
You won’t be eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit if you fail to file your tax return on time. Ensure you file by the deadline to receive the payments.
How can I check the status of my OTB payment?
You can check the status of your payment by using the CRA’s My Account portal if you haven’t received it by April 28.
Can I receive the OTB if I didn’t earn any income last year?
Yes, you are still eligible to receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit if you file your taxes, even if you had no income to report.
What should I do if I am not receiving my OTB payment?
If you haven’t received your payment by April 28, contact the CRA through their My Account portal to check on the status.