July has arrived, and that means a new benefit year has started for people living in Ontario. One of the important support programs available this month is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB). This benefit can help reduce some of the stress of high summer expenses, such as rent, energy bills, and daily living costs. 

If your budget feels tight, the OTB might bring some relief. It’s meant for lower- and middle-income individuals and families. And with updated amounts for 2025, you might receive more money this year—or qualify for the first time. 

What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit? 

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a monthly payment that helps residents in Ontario cover certain living costs. It’s tax-free and sent by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), even though it’s funded by the Ontario government. 

The OTB combines three credits into one payment: 

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) 

• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) 

• Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) 

If you qualify for any of these, you’ll get the OTB. 

Your payment amount and eligibility are based on your 2024 tax return. July starts the new benefit year, so your payments might change from what you got before. 

Who Can Get the Ontario Trillium Benefit? 

To get the OTB in 2025, you need to: 

• Live in Ontario 

• Be at least 18 years old 

• Have a spouse/common-law partner or a child you live with or lived with 

• File your 2024 tax return 

Each credit has its own rules too. 

Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) 

You must be 19 or older and meet the basic requirements above. No other conditions apply. 

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) 

You must meet at least one of the following for 2024: 

• Paid property tax or rent (with landlord paying property tax) 

• Paid home energy costs while living on a reserve 

• Lived in a long-term care home and paid accommodation costs 

• Lived in a student residence 

Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) 

You must live in Northern Ontario (such as Sudbury, Thunder Bay, or Kenora) and in 2024: 

• Paid property tax or rent 

• Paid home energy costs on a reserve 

• Paid for long-term care home accommodation 

You must also live in Ontario or Northern Ontario on the first of the month to get that month’s payment. If you have a spouse, both of you must file your taxes. 

How Much Can You Get from the Ontario Trillium Benefit? 

The amount depends on which credits you qualify for and your income. Here are the maximum amounts for 2025: 

Credit	Maximum Amount	Income Limits (Phase-Out Starts)
OSTC	Up to $371 per person	$28,506 (single), $35,632 (couples/single parents)
OEPTC	Up to $1,283 (ages 18–64)   Up to $1,461 (65+)	$28,506 (single), $35,632 (others), $42,758 (senior families)
NOEC	Up to $185 (single)   Up to $285 (couples/parents)	$49,885 (individuals), $64,138 (families)

If you’re eligible for all three, you could receive up to: 

• $168.08/month (single person) 

• $269.16/month (family of four) 

If your total benefit is $360 or less for the year, you’ll get it all at once in July. You can also choose to get your full OTB as a lump sum next June, instead of monthly payments. 

How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit 

To receive the OTB, you must file your 2024 income tax return—even if you had no income. The CRA uses your return to check if you qualify. 

For OSTC 

You don’t need to do anything extra. CRA will check your eligibility automatically. 

For OEPTC and NOEC 

You must complete Form ON-BEN with your tax return. Most tax software includes this automatically. If you’re in a couple, the older partner usually receives the payment if one of you is 64 or older. 

If you’re turning 18 before June 1, 2026, you can still qualify. Payments would start the month after your 18th birthday. 

Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit Taxable? 

No, the OTB is not taxable. You don’t need to report it on your tax return. It also won’t affect your refund or taxes owed. 

When Will the Ontario Trillium Benefit Be Paid? 

OTB payments are made on the 10th of each month. If the 10th is a weekend or holiday, the payment comes on the last business day before that. 

OTB Payment Dates for 2025: 

Month	Payment Date
July	Thursday, July 10
August	Friday, August 8
September	Wednesday, September 10
October	Friday, October 10
November	Monday, November 10
December	Wednesday, December 10

If your total annual amount is $360 or less, you’ll get it as a one-time payment in July. 

If you choose the lump-sum option, your full amount will be sent in June 2026. 

Conclusion 

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a helpful monthly support for many people in Ontario. It helps with costs like rent, energy, and taxes. If you qualify for one or more of the included credits, you’ll get the support automatically once you file your taxes. Make sure to file your 2024 tax return to see what you can receive this year. 

If you’re not sure how much you’ll get, you can check your CRA account or use the online benefits calculator. And if you’re just turning 18, you may qualify soon. 

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