New Ontario Trillium Benefit Payments To Be Sent On April 10

Last Updated On 5 April 2026, 8:14 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

Ontario residents who depend on provincial tax credits for financial support should prepare for the next Ontario Trillium Benefit payment scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026.

The Canada Revenue Agency will deposit this tax-free monthly payment into the bank accounts of hundreds of thousands of eligible Ontario households on behalf of the Ontario government.

The Ontario Trillium Benefit continues to serve as one of the most valuable provincial benefit programs in Canada, providing essential financial relief for low- and moderate-income families struggling with rising energy costs, property taxes, and everyday expenses.

April 2026 marks a particularly important time for Ontario benefit recipients as the tax filing deadline approaches and the new benefit year beginning in July 2026 will bring increased payment amounts due to inflation indexation.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the April 10 OTB payment, including exact maximum amounts, eligibility requirements, income thresholds, the upcoming July 2026 increases, and how to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve.

What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a combined tax-free payment that merges three separate provincial credits into a single monthly deposit designed to help Ontario residents manage essential living costs.

The OTB is legislated and funded entirely by the Province of Ontario but administered by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of the provincial government.

When you receive your OTB deposit, it will appear in your bank account under the name Canada Pro Deposit rather than showing as a separate Ontario government payment.

The benefit combines the following three provincial tax credits into one convenient monthly payment.

Credit Component	Purpose
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)	Provides relief from the Ontario portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax paid on everyday purchases
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)	Helps offset the cost of property taxes, rent payments, and energy expenses for Ontario residents
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)	Provides additional support for residents of Northern Ontario who face higher energy costs

You only need to qualify for one of these three credits to receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit.

Many Ontario residents qualify for multiple components, which increases their total annual benefit amount significantly.

An eligible family of four living in Southern Ontario could receive up to $2,823 per year through the OEPTC and OSTC components alone.

Families living in Northern Ontario could receive up to $3,295 per year when the NOEC is added to the combined payment.

Maximum Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Amounts for 2026

The current benefit year runs from July 2025 through June 2026 and is calculated based on your 2024 income tax return.

Here are the exact maximum amounts for each component of the Ontario Trillium Benefit during this payment period.

Ontario Sales Tax Credit Maximum Amounts

Recipient Category	Maximum Annual Amount
Each adult in the household	$371
Each child under 19 in the household	$371
Family of four (2 adults + 2 children)	$1,484

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit Maximum Amounts

Recipient Category	Maximum Annual Amount
Non-seniors aged 18 to 64	$1,283
Seniors aged 65 and older	$1,461
Reserve residents or long-term care	Additional $285
Designated student residence	Additional $25

Northern Ontario Energy Credit Maximum Amounts

Recipient Category	Maximum Annual Amount
Single individuals	$185
Families and single parents	$285

The Northern Ontario Energy Credit is only available to residents who lived in Northern Ontario on December 31, 2024 and paid rent, property tax, or home energy costs during the year.

Northern Ontario includes the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming.

New Increased Ontario Trillium Benefit Amounts Starting July 2026

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is adjusted each year for inflation using the Ontario Consumer Price Index.

Based on the confirmed 2 percent indexation rate for 2026, Ontario residents can expect increased maximum amounts starting with the July 10, 2026 payment.

These updated amounts will apply to the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year and will be calculated using your 2025 income tax return.

Credit Component	Current Amount	July 2026 Amount
OSTC per person	$371	$378
OEPTC non-seniors	$1,283	$1,307
OEPTC seniors 65+	$1,461	$1,488
NOEC singles	$185	$189
NOEC families	$285	$290

The Ontario government has also proposed an important change to the Ontario Trillium Benefit in the 2026 Ontario Budget, titled A Plan to Protect Ontario.

Starting with the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, the threshold for lump sum payments will increase from $360 to $500.

This means recipients whose annual OTB entitlement is $500 or less will receive their full benefit as a single lump sum payment in July rather than monthly installments.

Recipients entitled to more than $500 will continue receiving monthly payments throughout the benefit year unless they choose the delayed single payment option.

Income Thresholds and Reduction Rates for Ontario Trillium Benefit

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is income-tested, which means your payment amount decreases as your adjusted family net income increases above certain threshold levels.

Understanding these income thresholds is essential for estimating how much you can expect to receive.

Ontario Sales Tax Credit Income Thresholds

Family Status	Reduction Threshold
Single individuals with no children	$29,047
Single parents	$36,309
Married or common-law couples	$36,309

The Ontario Sales Tax Credit is reduced by 4 percent of your adjusted net income above these threshold amounts.

For example, a single person earning $35,000 would have their OSTC reduced by 4 percent of the amount over $29,047, which equals a reduction of approximately $238.

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit Income Thresholds

There is no single income cutoff point because the CRA calculates your entitlement using a worksheet that factors in rent paid, property taxes, and your adjusted net income.

Generally, the OEPTC begins to reduce when your adjusted family net income exceeds approximately $25,000 for non-seniors and $50,000 for senior households.

The reduction rate is typically 2 percent of income above the applicable threshold.

Northern Ontario Energy Credit Income Thresholds

Family Status	Reduction Threshold
Single individuals	$50,833
Families	$65,356

The higher income thresholds for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit reflect the reality that energy costs consume a larger share of household budgets in northern communities.

The NOEC phases out at the same rate as the OEPTC, which is typically 2 percent of income above the threshold.

Eligibility Requirements for Ontario Trillium Benefit

To qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit, you must meet certain basic requirements and be eligible for at least one of the three credit components.

The CRA assesses your eligibility for each credit separately based on your tax return and your completed Form ON BEN.

General Eligibility Requirements

You must have been a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2024 for the current benefit year payments running from July 2025 through June 2026.
You must meet at least one of the following conditions at some time before June 1, 2026.
You are 18 years of age or older.
You have a spouse or common law partner.
You are a parent who lives with your child.
You must not have been confined to a prison or similar institution for 90 or more days during the year.

Ontario Sales Tax Credit Eligibility

The OSTC has the widest eligibility of all three OTB components.

You may qualify if you meet the general requirements above and are a resident of Ontario.

No separate application is required because the CRA automatically calculates your eligibility from your income tax return.

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit Eligibility

You may qualify for the OEPTC if:

You were an Ontario resident on December 31, 2024 and at least one of the following applies to your 2024 tax year.
You paid rent for your principal residence and your landlord was required to pay property tax.
You paid property tax on your principal residence in Ontario.
You paid accommodation costs for a public or nonprofit long-term care home.
You paid energy costs for your principal residence on a reserve in Ontario.
You lived in a designated university, college, or private school residence.

Students living in residence often miss this credit because they assume they do not qualify, but many designated postsecondary residences are eligible.

Northern Ontario Energy Credit Eligibility

You may qualify for the NOEC if:

You lived in Northern Ontario on December 31, 2024 and you or someone on your behalf paid one of the following.
Rent or property tax for your principal residence in Northern Ontario.
Accommodation costs for living in a public or nonprofit long-term care home in Northern Ontario.
Home energy costs such as electricity and heating for your principal residence on a reserve in Northern Ontario.
Your eligibility for NOEC depends on where you live on the first day of each payment month.

If you move from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario during the benefit year, your NOEC payments will stop for subsequent months.

Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Dates 2026

The OTB is issued on the 10th of each month throughout the benefit year.

When the 10th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the payment is issued on the last working day before the scheduled date.

The April 10, 2026 payment falls on a Friday and will be deposited on that date as scheduled.

2026 OTB Payment Dates

Friday, April 10, 2026

Friday, May 8, 2026

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Friday, July 10, 2026

Monday, August 10, 2026

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Friday, October 9, 2026

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Thursday, December 10, 2026

The July 10, 2026 payment marks the beginning of the new benefit year with increased amounts based on your 2025 tax return.

If your total annual OTB entitlement is $360 or less for the current benefit year, you will receive your entire benefit as a single lump sum payment in July rather than monthly installments.

This threshold increases to $500 starting with the July 2026 benefit year.

How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit

Applying for the Ontario Trillium Benefit is straightforward, but there are important steps you must complete to ensure you receive all the credits you are entitled to.

Step 1: File Your Income Tax Return

You must file an income tax and benefit return every year, even if you have no income to report.

The CRA uses the information from your return to determine your eligibility and calculate your benefit amount.

For the 2026 2027 benefit year, which runs from July 2026 to June 2027, you need to file your 2025 tax return by April 30, 2026.

If you or your spouse are self-employed, the filing deadline is June 15, 2026, but any tax owed is still due by April 30.

Step 2: Complete Form ON BEN

While the OSTC is calculated automatically from your tax return, you must complete Form ON BEN to apply for the OEPTC and NOEC components.

Form ON BEN is the Application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Ontario Senior Homeowners Property Tax Grant.

This form is included in the Ontario tax package and most tax software will guide you through completing it as part of your return.

The form asks about your rent paid, property taxes, accommodation costs, and energy expenses for the year.

Have your total rent paid for the year and your landlord’s name ready, or your property tax amount if you own your home.

Step 3: Set Up Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your OTB payments.

If you already receive your income tax refund by direct deposit, your OTB payments will automatically go to the same account.

You can set up or update direct deposit through CRA My Account online or by calling the CRA benefits line at 1 800 387 1193.

Step 4: Keep Your Information Current

Changes to your marital status, address, or number of dependents affect your OTB calculation.

Update your information with the CRA through My Account or by calling the benefits line whenever your circumstances change.

Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you will need to repay later.

How to Check Your Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Status

You can verify your payment status and upcoming deposit amounts at any time by logging into CRA My Account.

Navigate to Benefits and Credits, then select Ontario Trillium Benefit to view your payment details.

Your Notice of Assessment or Notice of Determination will also show your total OTB amount for the benefit year.

If you think something is wrong with your payment, wait for your notice first, then call the CRA benefits line at 1-877-627-6645 for assistance or directly call the Province of Ontario at 1‑866‑ONT‑TAXS (1‑866‑668‑8297).

If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, the CRA recommends waiting 10 business days before contacting them to investigate the issue.

Common Reasons for Missing or Reduced OTB Payments

If you did not receive your expected OTB payment or your amount seems lower than expected, there are several possible explanations.

You or your spouse did not file a tax return for the previous year.
You did not complete Form ON BEN when filing your taxes.
Your income increased compared to the previous year.
Your marital status changed and your combined family income is now higher.
You moved out of Ontario during the benefit year.
You owe money to the CRA which was deducted from your payment.
Your eligibility was recalculated based on updated information.
The CRA has not yet processed your tax return.

Important Deadlines for Ontario Trillium Benefit Recipients

Deadline	Action Required
April 30, 2026	File your 2025 tax return to receive OTB payments starting July 2026
June 15, 2026	Extended filing deadline for self-employed individuals
June 19, 2026	Returns assessed by this date receive payments starting July 10, 2026
July 10, 2026	First payment of the new benefit year with increased amounts

Filing your 2025 tax return by the April 30, 2026 deadline is especially important this year because it determines your eligibility for the increased July 2026 payment amounts.

If you file late, you will still receive the benefit, but your payments may be delayed by four to eight weeks after your return is assessed.

The April 10, 2026 Ontario Trillium Benefit payment arrives at a crucial time as Ontario families continue managing elevated living costs and the tax filing deadline approaches.

Whether you are a renter, homeowner, student, senior, or Northern Ontario resident, the OTB is designed to help you manage rising costs through its three combined credit components.

Filing your 2025 tax return by April 30, 2026 with Form ON BEN completed accurately ensures you receive every dollar you deserve when the increased July 2026 payments begin.

Taking action now to verify your CRA information and set up direct deposit guarantees you receive your payments on time without interruption throughout the benefit year.

Fact Checked: All information in this article has been verified against official sources from the Canada Revenue Agency and the Government of Ontario as of April 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary and you should consult with a qualified tax professional or contact the CRA directly for advice specific to your situation.

OTB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit if I have zero income?

Yes, you can qualify for the OTB even with zero income as long as you file your tax return and complete Form ONBEN. You must also meet the residency and age requirements. Filing a return with zero income often results in receiving the maximum benefit amounts because the credits are not reduced by income above the thresholds.

What happens if I move from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario during the benefit year?

Your eligibility for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit depends on where you live on the first day of each payment month. If you move from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario, your NOEC payments will stop for subsequent months after you relocate. However, you will continue receiving the OSTC and OEPTC components as long as you remain an Ontario resident.

Can students living in university residences qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

Yes, students who lived in a designated university, college, or private school residence in Ontario may qualify for the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit component of the OTB. You must complete the residence section on Form ON BEN using your school’s official residence status information. Many students miss this credit because they assume they do not qualify.

Why does my OTB payment appear as Canada Pro Deposit in my bank account?

Although the Ontario Trillium Benefit is funded by the Province of Ontario, the Canada Revenue Agency administers the program on the province’s behalf. The CRA combines multiple provincial credits into a single deposit, which appears under the generic name “Canada Pro Deposit” in bank statements rather than identifying each provincial program separately.

Can I choose to receive my entire OTB as a single annual payment instead of monthly?

Yes, if your annual OTB entitlement is more than the lump sum threshold, you can choose to receive your entire benefit in one payment at the end of the benefit year in June instead of monthly payments. To make this choice, tick box 61060 in the Choice for delayed single OTB payment area on Form ON BEN when filing your tax return. You must make this choice each year if you want to continue receiving a lump sum.

Satinder Bains

Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website