CRA Confirms $360 Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025 – Check Eligibility and How to Claim Your Credits

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) 2025 continues to serve as one of the most vital financial relief programs for low- and moderate-income Ontarians. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Province of Ontario, this tax-free payment helps residents manage the cost of living, energy expenses, and property taxes.

By combining three major provincial credits—the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC), and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)—the OTB provides a single, simplified monthly payment to eligible individuals and families across Ontario.

The 2025 benefit will be based on the 2024 income tax return, with payments running from July 2025 through June 2026.

What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a tax-free financial aid program designed to ease the financial strain of rising living costs for Ontario residents. It is funded by the provincial government but administered by the CRA, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery through the federal tax system.

The program consolidates three separate provincial benefits into one straightforward payment, reducing administrative hassle for both applicants and government agencies.

This benefit helps recipients cover essential expenses such as:

• Rent or property taxes
• Energy and heating costs
• Sales taxes on everyday goods and services

By merging these credits, the OTB guarantees that relief reaches the right households faster, improving financial stability for those who need it most.

Why the OTB Is Important for Ontarians

For many Ontarians, especially those in low- to moderate-income brackets, the OTB is more than just a credit—it’s a lifeline.

It ensures that individuals and families can:

• Manage monthly expenses more effectively
• Reduce the pressure of property taxes and utility bills
• Cover household essentials without debt accumulation
• Plan budgets with predictable monthly income

This program also supports economic inclusion, ensuring that all residents—especially those facing housing and energy insecurity—can maintain a reasonable quality of life.

Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025 Overview

Particulars	Details
Administered By	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Authority	Province of Ontario
Program Name	Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
Country	Canada (Ontario)
Amount	Varies based on 2024 tax return
Payment Type	Tax-free monthly or lump-sum
First Payment Date	July 10, 2025
Last Payment Date	June 10, 2026
Category	Financial Assistance
Official Website	www.ontario.ca

How the Ontario Trillium Benefit Is Calculated

The CRA determines the amount you receive based on your 2024 tax return, including details about your income, living situation, and eligible expenses.

Payment Breakdown:

• If your total annual entitlement is $360 or less, you’ll receive one lump-sum payment in July 2025.
• If your entitlement exceeds $360, it will be divided into 12 equal monthly payments from July 2025 to June 2026.

This approach provides flexibility—some households prefer lump-sum payments to manage larger expenses, while others rely on steady monthly assistance.

Key Components of the Ontario Trillium Benefit

The OTB combines three separate credits into one easy-to-manage payment:

1. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)

• Helps low-income individuals and families offset the sales tax they pay on everyday purchases.
• Available to residents who are 19 or older, a parent, or in a common-law partnership.

2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)

• Provides relief for property taxes and home energy costs.
• Applies to those who pay rent, property tax, or energy expenses (including residents of long-term care homes or reserves).

3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)

• Offers additional support for those living in Northern Ontario, where heating and utility costs are typically higher.
• Can be combined with the OEPTC for eligible residents.

Eligibility Rules for Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025

To qualify for the OTB in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Residency: You must have been a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2024.
2. Tax Return: You must file a 2024 income tax and benefit return, including Form ON-BEN.
3. Credit Eligibility: You must be eligible for at least one of the three component credits (OSTC, OEPTC, NOEC).
4. Continuous Residency: You must continue to live in Ontario at the beginning of each payment month.

Eligibility by Category:

• OSTC: Must be 19+, a parent, or in a common-law relationship.
• OEPTC: Must have paid rent or property tax, or lived in a long-term care home or on a reserve.
• NOEC: Must live in a Northern Ontario district and meet OEPTC eligibility.

Required Documents for OTB Application

When filing your taxes, ensure you have the following:

• 2024 income tax return and ON-BEN form (for OEPTC or NOEC claims)
• Proof of Ontario residency (utility bill or official correspondence)
• Receipts or proof of rent, property tax, or energy payments
• Proof of residence in a care home or reserve, if applicable
• CRA My Account login credentials for managing and checking payments

How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025

You don’t need to apply separately for the OTB. Your eligibility is automatically assessed through your tax return.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. File your 2024 income tax return online or by paper.
2. Include the ON-BEN form to claim OEPTC or NOEC credits.
3. Ensure all relevant credit boxes (OSTC, OEPTC, NOEC) are checked.
4. Use CRA My Account to verify that the OTB has been applied after assessment.
5. Confirm that your direct deposit information is correct to avoid delays.

Once processed, the CRA will send you a notice of determination outlining your total annual benefit and payment schedule.

Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025 Payment Schedule

The CRA issues OTB payments on the 10th of each month, starting July 2025 and continuing through June 2026.

If the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is typically deposited on the next business day.

Example Schedule:

Month	Payment Date
July 2025	July 10
August 2025	August 10
September 2025	September 10
October 2025	October 10
November 2025	November 10
December 2025	December 10

Checking and Securing Your OTB Payment

To monitor your Ontario Trillium Benefit:

1. Sign in to CRA My Account.
2. Navigate to the “Benefits and Credits” section.
3. View your OTB eligibility notice and annual breakdown.
4. Confirm whether your payment will be monthly or lump-sum.
5. Double-check your banking details for accuracy.
6. Contact the CRA directly if payments are delayed or missing.

Keep your personal information (such as marital status, dependents, and address) updated to avoid benefit interruptions.

Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment in September 2025

For those receiving monthly payments, the September 2025 OTB will be deposited on September 10, 2025, following the same regular payment schedule.

The CRA has assured that all payments for the 2025–2026 cycle will follow the same pattern unless adjusted for holidays. Beneficiaries can continue tracking payment dates through CRA My Account.

Tips to Maximize Your Ontario Trillium Benefit

• File taxes early: The earlier you file, the faster you’ll receive your payments.
• Use direct deposit: Ensures safe, quick delivery of your benefit.
• Keep receipts: Maintain all proof of rent, property tax, and energy bills.
• Update info promptly: Report any changes in address, marital status, or dependents.
• Check CRA alerts: Activate notifications to track upcoming payments and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
It’s a tax-free monthly payment that combines three Ontario credits (OSTC, OEPTC, and NOEC) to help residents cover housing, energy, and sales tax costs.

Q2. Who qualifies for the 2025 Ontario Trillium Benefit?
Ontarians who filed a 2024 tax return, reside in the province, and qualify for at least one of the three component credits are eligible.

Q3. When will the OTB payments start in 2025?
Payments begin on July 10, 2025, and continue monthly until June 2026.

Q4. Can I receive the benefit as a lump sum?
Yes. If your total annual entitlement is $360 or less, you’ll receive one lump-sum payment in July 2025.

Q5. How can I check my payment status?
You can track payments and eligibility through CRA My Account under the Benefits and Credits section