Last Updated On 7 February 2025, 8:57 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Good news for Ontario residents: the next installment of the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is scheduled to hit bank accounts on February 10, 2025.
This payment, which has seen an increase for the year, aims to provide vital financial support to low- and moderate-income families across the province.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 2025 Ontario Trillium Benefit, including eligibility, payment dates in 2025, and how to maximize this crucial financial aid.
Table of Contents
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) consolidates three distinct credits into a single monthly payment:
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): This credit provides relief for property taxes and energy costs to eligible Ontario residents.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Designed to assist residents in Northern Ontario with higher energy costs.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Offers relief from the sales tax for low- to moderate-income individuals and families.
By combining these credits, the OTB simplifies the process, ensuring that eligible Ontarians receive the financial support they need in a streamlined manner.
The OTB payments are typically issued on the 10th of each month.
If the 10th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the payment is issued on the last working day before the 10th.
For 2025, the payment dates are as follows:
- 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 OTB entitlement is $360 or less, you would have already received the full amount in a single payment in July 2024.
For entitlements over $360, payments are distributed monthly.
To qualify for the OTB, you must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the three component credits.
Below is a breakdown of the criteria for each:
1. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC):
- Be a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2024.
- Be 19 years of age or older, or have a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent who lives or previously lived with your child.
2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC):
- Be a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2024, and at least one of the below applies to you:
- You paid property tax or rent for your principal residence for 2024;
- You paid for accommodation costs for living in a public or non-profit long-term care home for 2024;
- You paid home energy costs (for example, electricity, heat) for your principal residence on a provincial reserve for 2024; or
- You lived in a designated private school, university, or college in 2024.
3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC):
- Be a resident of Northern Ontario (e.g., Sudbury, Thunder Bay) on December 31, 2024, and you (or someone for you) paid:
- property tax or rent for your principal residence in Northern Ontario;
- cost of accommodation for living in a non-profit or public long-term care home in Northern Ontario; or
- home energy costs (for example, electricity, heat) for your principal residence on a reserve in Northern Ontario.
It’s important to note that even if you qualify for only one of these credits, you are still eligible to receive the OTB.
This is the most commonly asked question, but applying for the OTB is integrated into the annual tax filing process.
Here’s how to ensure you receive the benefit:
File Your Income Tax Return: Complete and submit your 2024 income tax and benefit return by the deadline, even if you have no income to report to continue receiving OTB.
Complete Form ON-BEN: This form, titled “Application for the 2025 Ontario Trillium Benefit and Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant,” is essential for applying for the OEPTC and NOEC components. Ensure you:
Tick the appropriate boxes to indicate which credits you’re applying for.
Provide accurate information about rent or property tax paid, accommodation costs, or home energy costs, as applicable.
Submit Supporting Documentation: While you don’t need to attach receipts to your tax return, it’s advisable to keep records of rent, property tax, or energy costs paid in 2024, as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may request them later.
By following these steps, the CRA will assess your eligibility and notify you of your entitlement to the OTB.
The maximum annual benefits for 2025 are:
- NOEC:
- Single: Up to $180
- Family: Up to $277
- OEPTC:
- Individuals aged 18-64: Up to $1,248
- Seniors (65+): Up to $1,421
- Those on reserves or in care facilities: Up to $277
- Students in post-secondary residences: Up to $25
- OSTC:
- Up to $360 per person in the household.
These amounts are based on your income, household size, and location to ensure support is directed where it’s most needed.
To ensure you receive your full entitlement:
- File Your Taxes: Make sure to file your tax return on time, even if you had no income, as this is how eligibility is determined.
- Update Information: Keep your address and banking details current with the CRA to avoid any delays in payment.
- Check Your Eligibility: If you’re not sure if you qualify for one or more of the credits, consider consulting with a tax professional or using online tools like the CRA’s child and family benefits calculator.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit serves as a critical lifeline for many Ontario residents, helping to manage the rising costs of living.
By understanding the nuances of this benefit, you can ensure you’re not missing out on the support you’re entitled to.
Monitor your bank account on February 10, 2025, and schedule your payments accordingly to improve your financial management.
For further assistance, always check with the CRA or seek advice from a tax professional to make the most out of the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
What exactly is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The OTB is a tax-free benefit combining three credits to help Ontarians with energy costs, property taxes, and sales tax.
When will I get my 2025 OTB payments?
Payments are scheduled for the 10th of each month, with exceptions for May (9th) and August (if the 10th is a weekend or holiday, it’s the last working day before)
What’s the maximum I can get from OTB?
The maximum varies by credit – from $180 for a single person under NOEC to $1,421 for OEPTC for seniors.
What if my OTB is $360 or less?
If your entitlement is $360 or less, you would have received a lump-sum payment in July of the previous year.
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