Ontario Trillium Benefit : What Is It, Eligibility, Payment Dates

Ontario trillium benefit

Learn what is Ontario Trillium Benefit, payment dates and its eligibility 

In this article:

What Does Ontario Trillium Benefit Mean?

How Does Ontario Trillium Benefit Work?

Ontario Trillium Payment Amount 2023

How Ontario Trillium Benefit Is Calculated.

Ontario Trillium Benefit Dates 2024

What Does Ontario Trillium Benefit Mean?

Ontario Trillium Benefit(OTB) is a tax-free credit available in the Ontario province, to help Canadians pay for energy costs, sales, and property tax. It comprises three credits: Ontario Sales Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit. Each credit has its own eligibility, and it’s paid monthly to eligible residents.

Also Read:

1.Canada Pension Plan Increase 2024

2. Canada Child Benefit

Ontario Trillium Benefit is paid on the 10th of every month. If the payment date falls on a non-working day, it is disbursed on the last business day before 10th.

How Does Ontario Trillium Benefit Work?

The aim of OTB is to assist low- to moderate-income Canadians individuals and families. The OTB provides financial support in the form of three combined tax credits as mentioned earlier. Here’s how the three tax credits work.

  • Ontario Sales Tax Credit: It is designed to offset the impact of the provincial sales tax on individuals and families with lower incomes, who may face financial constraints. To qualify for 2023 benefits, you must be an Ontario resident above 19 years, a parent living with a child, married or in a common law relationship. Qualified individuals receive up to $345 and additional $345 for a child under 19 years during payment date and a spouse in common-law relationship.
  • The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit: It is another component of the OTB, offering assistance with energy costs and property taxes. This credit acknowledges the financial burden that utility bills and property taxes can pose, particularly for individuals with limited means. To qualify for 2023 benefits, you must be an Ontario resident between December 31, 2022 to July 1, 2024, paid 2022 property tax for your main residence, lived on a public long term care home, lived on a reserve and paid home energy costs. In addition, you must be 18 years old, married in a common-law relationship, or a parent living with a child. 

Qualified individuals between age 18 to 64 receive $ 1,194, $1,360 for age 65+, $265 if you live in long-term home care or on a reserve, and $25 if you were in school in 2022.

  • The Northern Ontario Energy Credit: It is specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by residents in the northern regions of the province. Given the increased cost of living in these areas, this credit serves as a targeted measure to alleviate the financial pressures associated with higher energy costs. The 2023 eligibility is the same as property tax credit above and individuals must apply for the credits and complete Form ON-BEN to receive payments.

Qualified individuals receive a maximum of $172 if you’re single, and a maximum of $265 for a family of two or more. Note that the eligibility will also be based on where you live on the 1st of each month.

Ontario Trillium Payment Amount 2023

AgeAmount
18 to 64 $1,194
Above 65 $1,360
Living in a Public Long-term Care Home$265
Students in designated schools $25

How Ontario Trillium Benefit Is Calculated

To calculate your Benefit, visit the Ontario official website and use the CRA online benefit Calculator to estimate your monthly payment.

The amount will depend on:

  • Residence
  • Amount paid in property or rent tax
  • Income
  • Age
  • Family numbers

Ontario Trillium Benefit Dates 2024

NameBenefit 
TypeCredit
Country Canada 
Province Ontario 
Frequency Monthly 
ComprisesNOCE, OEPTC, OSTC
Benefit yearJuly 2023 – June 2024
Payment DatesOctober 10, 2023November 10, 2023December 8, 2023

Ontario Trillium Benefit Form

The CRA produces fillable PDF forms. All you need is to download the form and open it via Adobe Reader, then save it. 

Frequently Asked Question

What are Ontario Trillium Benefits?

Ontario Trillium Benefits are three combined tax credits funded by Ontario Provincial government and administered by CRA(Canada Revenue Agency). They include: The Ontario Sales Tax Credit(OSCT), the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit(OEPTC), and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit(NOEC).

Are Ontario Trillium Benefits taxable?

No. Ontario Trillium Benefits are tax-free credit to assist low to moderate income Canadians individuals and families, to pay for energy, property and sales tax.

When is Ontario Trillium Benefit paid?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit are paid on 10th of every month. If the payment date falls on a non-working or holiday, the payments will be made on the final business day before 10th.

Is Ontario Trillium Benefit based on income?

Yes, Ontario Trillium Benefit is based on income. In addition, your age, the size of your family, residence, amount paid in property and rent tax.

How much income is tax free in Ontario?

$11,865 for Ontario basic personal amount and $15,000 for federal basic personal amount for 2023 tax year. 

The Bottom Line

Ontario Trillium Benefits are tax-free credits offered by the government of Canada to qualified Canadians. These benefits include the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit. 

The benefits are calculated based on residence, amount paid in property or rent tax, you income, age, and family size. Remember it’s your responsibility to apply in order to receive your payments.

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Author

  • Scolastica Mundia

    Scolastica is both an author and a profound entrepreneur. Through her writing, she strive to make financial literacy accessible to all. Whether it's budgeting, investing, or planning for the future, she provide insights, strategies, and motivation to help you succeed.

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