The Ontario Trillium Benefit includes three refundable tax credits provided to low- and moderate-income Ontarians.
This benefit helps eligible residents offset costs relating to energy, sales, and property tax.
How much is the Trillium benefit, and when is it deposited?
This article summarizes the Trillium payment dates for 2024, how much you can expect, eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and more.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Dates in 2024
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) payments are usually split into 12 monthly payments from January to December.
They are typically issued around the 10th of each month but may be paid earlier if the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday.
Trillium payment dates in 2024 are:
| Trillium Benefit Month | Trillium Benefit Date 2024 |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | January 10, 2024 |
| February 2024 | February 9, 2024 |
| March 2024 | March 8, 2024 |
| April 2024 | April 10, 2024 |
| May 2024 | May 10, 2024 |
| June 2024 | June 10, 2024 |
| July 2024 | July 10, 2024 |
| August 2024 | August 9, 2024 |
| September 2024 | September 10, 2024 |
| October 2024 | October 10, 2024 |
| November 2024 | November 8, 2024 |
| December 2024 | December 10, 2024 |
OTB payments are issued by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of the province of Ontario.
If your benefit for the year is $360 or less, a one-time payment is made in July.
Current Trillium benefit entitlements are calculated using your tax return for the 2023 tax year.
Starting in July 2025 (when the next OTB payment cycle starts), your payments will be based on your 2024 tax return, and this cycle will run from July 2025 to June 2026.
Here’s How Much Trillium Benefit You Will Receive in 2024
The Trillium benefit amount you receive is dependent on which credit(s) you qualify for.
You can get an estimate of OTB by using the CRA’s child and family benefits calculator.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit Amount
The maximum OEPTC amount in 2024 is:
- $1,248 if you are aged 18-64 years
- $1,421 if you are 65+ years old
- $277 if you reside on a reserve or in a public long-term care home
- $25 if you lived at an eligible college or school residence
Ontario Sales Tax Credit Amount
The maximum OSTC amount in 2024 is $360.
If you have a spouse/partner or dependent children under age 19, you may receive up to $360 for each individual.
This credit is in addition to the GST/HST credit.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit Amount
The maximum NOEC amount for an individual in 2024 is $180. Families get up to a maximum of $277.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) Explained
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) combines the following three tax credits:
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
If you qualify for one or more of these credits, you receive the monthly Trillium benefit.
Eligibility For The Ontario Trillium Benefit
Eligibility requirements for OTB vary depending on your age, where you live, your income, and the number of people in your household.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
This Trillium benefit and credit helps eligible Ontarians offset costs associated with property taxes and the sales tax on their energy bills.
To qualify for this credit, you must live in Ontario and:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have or previously had a spouse or common-law partner
- Live or have previously lived with your child
Also, in the previous year, you either:
- Paid property tax on your main residence or were renting
- Lived on a reserve and paid home energy costs
- Lived in a public long-term care home and paid for accommodation
Ontario Sales Tax Credit
The Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) is a tax-free benefit that is designed to offset the sales tax paid by eligible recipients.
To qualify for the OSTC, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be at least 19 years old
- Have or previously had a spouse or common-law partner
- Live or have previously lived with your child
Northern Ontario Energy Credit
The Northern Ontario Energy Credit helps residents of Northern Ontario offset some of the higher energy costs they face.
It applies to residents of Algoma, Kenora, Nipissing, Cochrane, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming.
To qualify for this credit, you must meet one of the following:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have or previously had a spouse or partner
- Currently live or have previously lived with your child
Also, in the previous year, you:
- Were renting or paid property tax for your main residence
- Were living on a reserve and paid energy bills for your home
- Were living in a public long-term care home and paid accommodation costs
How To Apply For Trillium Benefits
You are automatically assessed for OTB eligibility when you file your income tax and benefit return.
For example, to qualify for benefits in July 2024 to June 2025 payment period, you must file your taxes for the 2023 tax year.
This is important even if you don’t have any income to report.
If your tax return is submitted later than the official tax deadline of April 30th, your OTB payment may be delayed.
Payments are generally deposited directly in your bank account or you may receive a cheque if you haven’t set up direct deposits with the CRA.
Trillium Benefits Increases in 2024
Ontario Trillium Benefits run from July to June each year.
OTB payments for the current payment cycle increased on July 1st.
Note that if your OTB is more than $2 but less than $10, it is automatically increased to $10 and is paid out as a lump sum in July 2025.
Are Trillium Benefits Taxable?
Trillium benefits are not taxable.
The amounts you receive for the NOEC, OSTC, and OEPTC are not included in your taxable income for the year.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Dates FAQ
How often is the Trillium benefit paid?
OTB is paid once every month around the 10th. If your total benefit is $360 or lower, it is paid once in July.
What is the minimum Trillium benefit?
The minimum amount for OTB is $10. If your benefit is smaller than this, it is increased to $10 and paid out as a lump sum. If your OTB is $2 or less, you will not receive a payment.
How is the Ontario Trillium benefit calculated?
The OTB amount you receive is based on your age, income, residence, family size, and how much you have paid in rent or property tax. You can use the CRA’s benefits calculator to get an estimate.
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