The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed that eligible Ontario residents will receive a minimum of $360 tax-free through the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) this year.
This financial assistance is designed to help individuals and families handle the burden of increasing living expenses such as energy costs, housing, and sales tax.
What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a consolidated monthly payment made by the CRA, combining three key provincial credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
Each of these credits serves a unique purpose, whether it’s reducing heating costs in northern communities, offsetting property tax bills, or supporting low-income individuals with sales tax relief.
The OTB is paid monthly and is non-taxable, providing consistent support throughout the year.
Payment Breakdown for 2025
The CRA has scheduled the next installment of the OTB, with eligible Ontarians receiving at least $360. Actual amounts may be higher depending on household circumstances such as age, income, residency, and housing type.
Estimated Maximum Annual OTB Payments in 2025
| Recipient Type | Maximum Annual Credit |
|---|---|
| Individuals aged 18–64 | $1,283 |
| Seniors aged 65 and older | $1,461 |
| Residents of reserves/long-term care | $285 |
| Students in shared housing/dorms | $25 |
This payment is a minimum baseline, and many will receive more depending on their qualifications under the three combined credits.
Monthly OTB Payment Schedule for 2025
The CRA issues OTB payments on the 10th of each month, unless that date falls on a weekend or public holiday.
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| July | 10th |
| August | 8th |
| September | 10th |
| October | 10th |
| November | 10th |
| December | 10th |
Eligibility Criteria for the OTB
To qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2025, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be a resident of Ontario as of December 31, 2024
- Be 18 years or older
- File your 2024 tax return by April 30, 2025
- Pay rent or property tax on your principal residence
- Live in Northern Ontario to qualify for the NOEC
- Individuals can qualify whether they are single, married, or single parents
Meeting these criteria ensures automatic consideration by the CRA—no separate application is required.
How to Receive the OTB Payment
The process is straightforward and fully automated based on your tax return:
- File your 2024 personal income tax return by the April 30, 2025 deadline
- Log in to your CRA My Account or My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- Verify your personal information and address are up to date
- Submit any supporting documents if prompted
- Await CRA confirmation and payment by July 10, 2025
If your payment hasn’t arrived by July 24, you may contact the CRA to file a service request and track your payment.
Why the Ontario Trillium Benefit Matters
The OTB continues to be a critical support system for thousands of Ontario residents struggling with financial instability. It reduces the monthly strain for individuals and families dealing with higher energy, property, and sales tax expenses.
Benefits of the OTB Program
- No application needed
- Tax-free monthly support
- Inclusive of renters, homeowners, students, and seniors
- Specific assistance for Northern Ontario households
- Encourages timely tax filing for faster access
The $360 Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2025 offers crucial relief for individuals and families coping with rising living costs.
Whether you’re a student, a senior, or a low-income renter, this tax-free support can make a real difference.
Filing your tax return on time and ensuring your details are updated with the CRA is the key to receiving your full benefits.
FAQs
Will I receive more than $360 from the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
Yes, the $360 is a base amount. Depending on your personal and financial details, you may receive a higher payment.
Do I need to apply separately for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
No, the benefit is automatically calculated and issued based on your filed tax return and eligibility.
What should I do if I don’t receive my payment by July 24, 2025?
If your payment is delayed, contact the CRA and request a service review to trace your benefit.