Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment

Last Updated On 8 February 2026, 10:00 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Ontario residents who rely on provincial tax credits for financial relief should mark their calendars for February 10, 2026—the next Ontario Trillium Benefit – OTB payment.

This tax-free monthly payment continues to serve as a crucial lifeline for hundreds of thousands of low- and moderate-income households struggling with rising energy costs, property taxes, and everyday expenses.

The February 2026 OTB payment arrives at a particularly critical time, as winter heating costs remain elevated and household budgets face ongoing pressure from inflation.

For eligible Ontario families, the combined OTB payment can provide up to $3,230 annually, depending on income, household composition, and whether you live in Northern Ontario.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the Ontario Trillium Benefit, including what it is, who qualifies, how much you can receive, all upcoming payment dates for 2026, and practical strategies to maximize your entitlement.

Whether you are a first-time applicant or a longtime recipient looking to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve, this article will give you the information you need.

What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a tax-free combined payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Ontario provincial government.

Rather than issuing three separate credits, the province bundles them into a single monthly payment, simplifying the process for recipients and ensuring consistent support throughout the year.

The OTB combines three distinct Ontario tax credits designed to help residents manage essential living costs:

1. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): This credit provides relief for property taxes and the sales tax paid on energy costs.

It helps renters, homeowners, and those living in long-term care facilities or on reserves offset housing-related expenses.

For the 2025-2026 benefit year, non-seniors can receive up to $1,283, while those aged 64 and older can receive a maximum of $1,461.

2. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Designed specifically for residents living in Northern Ontario, this credit acknowledges the higher energy costs faced by households in remote and northern communities.

Eligible single individuals can receive up to $185 annually, while families and single parents can receive a maximum of $285.

3. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): This credit helps offset the provincial portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) paid on everyday purchases.

Each eligible adult and child in a family can receive up to $371 per year, making it especially valuable for larger households.

The important thing to understand is that you do not need to qualify for all three credits to receive the OTB.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for even one of these components, you will receive an OTB payment.

This makes the benefit accessible to a wide range of Ontario residents, from young adults just starting out to seniors on fixed incomes.

Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Dates 2026

The Ontario Trillium Benefit follows a consistent payment schedule, with deposits issued on the 10th of each month.

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

This ensures recipients always receive their funds in a timely manner.

Complete OTB Payment Schedule for 2026:

February 10, 2026 (Tuesday) — NEXT PAYMENT
March 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
April 10, 2026 (Friday)
May 8, 2026 (Friday, moved from Sunday the 10th)
June 10, 2026 (Wednesday) — Final payment of 2025-2026 benefit year
July 10, 2026 (Friday) — First payment of 2026-2027 benefit year with an increase
August 10, 2026 (Monday)
September 10, 2026 (Thursday)
October 9, 2026 (Friday, moved from Saturday the 10th)
November 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
December 10, 2026 (Thursday)

The OTB benefit year runs from July to June, not from January to December.

This means payments issued from July 2025 through June 2026 are calculated based on your 2024 income tax return, while payments from July 2026 through June 2027 will be based on your 2025 tax return.

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

Those entitled to more than $360 will receive their benefit divided into 12 equal monthly payments.

Eligibility Criteria for the Ontario Trillium Benefit

Each component of the Ontario Trillium Benefit has its own specific eligibility requirements.

However, the general framework requires that you be an Ontario resident and meet certain age, family, or housing criteria.

Let us examine each credit’s requirements in detail.

Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) Eligibility

To qualify for the OSTC, you must be an Ontario resident on December 31, 2025, and meet at least one of the following conditions:

You are 19 years of age or older
You have or previously had a spouse or common-law partner
You are or were a parent who lives or has lived with your child

The OSTC is the most accessible component of the OTB because it requires no separate application.

The CRA automatically assesses your eligibility based on the information in your income tax return.

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) Eligibility

The OEPTC has more specific requirements tied to housing costs. To qualify, you must have lived in Ontario on December 31, 2025, and meet one of the following:

Rent or property tax for your principal residence was paid by or for you during 2025
Accommodation costs for living in a public or non-profit long-term care home were paid by or for you during 2025
Home energy costs for your principal residence on a reserve in Ontario were paid by or for you during 2025
You lived in a designated university, college, or private school residence in Ontario during 2025

Additionally, you must be 18 years of age or older, or have a spouse or common-law partner, or be a parent who lives with your child.

Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Eligibility

The NOEC is available exclusively to residents of Northern Ontario.

To qualify, you must have been a resident of Northern Ontario on December 31, 2025, and you or someone on your behalf must have paid:

Rent or property tax for your principal residence in Northern Ontario during 2025
Accommodation costs for living in a public or non-profit long-term care home in Northern Ontario during 2025
Home energy costs for your principal residence on a reserve in Northern Ontario during 2025

Northern Ontario includes the following districts: Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury (including Greater Sudbury), Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming.

Your eligibility for the OEPTC and NOEC depends on where you live on the first day of each payment month.

If you move from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario mid-month, you will receive that month’s NOEC payment but will not be eligible for subsequent NOEC payments.

How Much Can You Receive from the OTB?

The total amount you receive from the Ontario Trillium Benefit depends on several factors, including your adjusted family net income, age, marital status, family composition, housing costs, and geographic location.

Here are the maximum amounts for the 2025-2026 benefit year (July 2025 through June 2026):

Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) Maximum Amounts:

Up to $371 per eligible adult
Up to $371 per eligible dependent child under 19
An additional $371 for a spouse or common-law partner

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) Maximum Amounts:

Up to $1,283 for non-seniors (under age 64 on December 31, 2024)
Up to $1,461 for seniors (age 64 or older on December 31, 2024)

Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Maximum Amounts:

Up to $185 for single individuals without children
Up to $285 for families and single parents

New OTB Payment Increase Coming In July 2026

Each year, the Ontario Trillium Benefit is adjusted for inflation using the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI).

This annual indexation ensures that the benefit keeps pace with rising living costs and maintains its purchasing power over time.

The July 2026 payment will mark the beginning of the 2026-2027 benefit year, which is calculated based on your 2025 income tax return.

While the exact adjustment amounts have not yet been announced, historical patterns suggest recipients can expect modest increases to the maximum credit amounts for all three OTB components.

In July 2025, Ontario increased all three components of the OTB to help residents keep pace with elevated living costs.

The 2026 adjustment is expected to follow a similar pattern, with increases tied to the provincial inflation rate, which the Ontario Ministry of Finance projects at approximately 2.0% for 2026.

It is important to understand that July represents a recalculation month, not just an increase month.

Because the new benefit year switches to using your most recent tax return, some households may see higher payments while others may see lower payments depending on how their income changed from one year to the next.

To ensure you receive the maximum benefit increase in July 2026, you must file your 2025 income tax return by April 30, 2026.

Late filing can delay your payments by four to eight weeks after your return is assessed.

How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit

The application process for the Ontario Trillium Benefit is straightforward, but there are some 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 (payments from July 2026 to June 2027), you need to file your 2025 tax return.

Step 2: Complete Form ON-BEN

While the OSTC is calculated automatically from your tax return, you must complete Form ON-BEN (Application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit and Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant) to apply for the OEPTC and NOEC components.

This form is included in the Ontario tax package and must be attached to your tax return.

On Form ON-BEN, you will need to provide information about your rent paid, property taxes paid, accommodation costs if you lived in a long-term care home, or energy costs if you lived on a reserve.

Tick the appropriate boxes to indicate which credits you are applying for.

Step 3: Choose Your Payment Option

If your annual OTB entitlement exceeds $360, you can choose to receive your benefit as a single lump-sum payment at the end of the benefit year (June 2027) instead of monthly payments.

To make this choice, tick box 61060 in the “Choice for delayed single OTB payment” section of Form ON-BEN.

Step 4: File On Time

File your 2025 tax return by April 30, 2026, to ensure your OTB payments begin on time in July 2026.

If your return is assessed after June 19, 2026, your first payment will be delayed by four to eight weeks.

Step 5: Set Up Direct Deposit

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

If you do not have direct deposit set up, you can do so through CRA My Account or by completing the direct deposit enrollment form.

This ensures faster, more secure payment delivery.

Step 6: Keep Records

While you do not need to attach receipts to your tax return, you should keep records of your rent receipts, property tax statements, long-term care accommodation receipts, or energy cost documentation.

The CRA may request verification at a later date.

Tips to Maximize Your OTB Payment

Many Ontario residents leave money on the table by not taking full advantage of the Ontario Trillium Benefit.

Here are practical strategies to ensure you receive every dollar you are entitled to:

1. Always File Your Tax Return, Even With No Income

The CRA cannot assess your OTB eligibility without a tax return on file.

Students, stay-at-home parents, unemployed individuals, and retirees with minimal income should all file returns to access the benefit.

Filing with zero income often results in the maximum credit amounts.

2. Do Not Forget Form ON-BEN

Without Form ON-BEN, you will only receive the OSTC portion of your OTB.

The OEPTC is often the largest component, so failing to submit this form can cost you over $1,000 per year.

Ensure you complete all applicable sections, including rent paid and property taxes.

3. Report Accurate Housing Costs

Your OEPTC calculation depends heavily on your reported rent or property taxes. Underreporting these amounts means a lower credit.

Gather rent receipts from all 12 months and ensure your landlord has provided the correct information.

If you paid rent in a subsidized unit, check with your landlord to confirm whether they were required to pay property tax.

4. Claim the NOEC If You Lived in Northern Ontario

The Northern Ontario Energy Credit is commonly missed because people do not realize they qualify.

If you lived in any of the designated Northern Ontario districts on December 31 and paid eligible rent or property tax, make sure you apply for the NOEC through Form ON-BEN.

5. Update Your Information With the CRA

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

Keep the CRA informed of any life changes through My Account to ensure accurate payments and prevent delays.

6. Students: Check Your Residence Eligibility

If you lived in a designated university, college, or private school residence in Ontario, you may qualify for the OEPTC even if you did not pay rent in the traditional sense.

Report your accommodation costs on Form ON-BEN.

7. Consider the Lump-Sum Option Carefully

While most people prefer monthly payments for consistent cash flow, the lump-sum option can be advantageous if you tend to spend small amounts immediately but could use a larger payment for a specific purpose like paying down debt or making a major purchase.

8. Use the CRA Benefits Calculator

The CRA offers a free online child and family benefits calculator that can estimate your OTB entitlement based on your specific circumstances.

Use this tool before filing to ensure your reported information will produce the maximum benefit.

The Ontario Trillium Benefit continues to provide essential financial support for hundreds of thousands of Ontario households facing the pressures of rising living costs.

With the February 10, 2026, payment approaching, now is the time to ensure your CRA information is up to date and that you have filed your tax return with Form ON-BEN completed correctly.

Whether you are a renter struggling with high utility bills, a senior on a fixed income, or a family trying to make ends meet in Northern Ontario, the OTB is designed to help you manage essential costs.

By understanding the eligibility requirements, payment amounts, and application process outlined in this guide, you can maximize your benefit and ensure you receive every dollar you deserve.

If you have questions about your specific situation, you can contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 or the Ontario provincial helpline at 1-866-668-8297.

You can also check your benefit status and upcoming payments through your CRA My Account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The Canada Revenue Agency processes and administers the Ontario Trillium Benefit on behalf of the Ontario provincial government. Because the CRA handles multiple provincial and territorial benefit programs through a single payment system, all these combined payments appear under the generic “Canada Pro Deposit” label rather than individual program names. This deposit may include not only your OTB but also other provincial credits you qualify for.

Can I receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit if I am a temporary resident or international student?

Temporary residents, including international students and work permit holders, may qualify for certain OTB components if they are considered residents of Canada for tax purposes and were Ontario residents on December 31 of the relevant tax year. However, eligibility depends on your specific immigration status and tax residency determination. Filing a Canadian income tax return is essential, as the CRA uses your return to assess entitlement. Consult with a tax professional or the CRA directly to confirm your eligibility based on your individual circumstances.

What happens to my OTB payments if I owe money to the CRA?

If you have outstanding debts with the CRA, such as unpaid taxes or overpayments from other benefit programs, the agency may apply your OTB payments toward these debts before releasing any remaining funds to you. This process is called “offset.” You will receive a notice explaining how your payment was applied. If you believe an offset was applied in error, you can contact the CRA to dispute it or arrange a payment plan for your debt.

I forgot to apply for the OTB on my previous tax returns. Can I still get those payments?

Yes, you can request adjustments to your previous tax returns for up to 10 prior years to claim OTB credits you missed. You will need to file a T1 Adjustment Request (Form T1-ADJ) or use the CRA’s “Change My Return” feature in My Account. Include the completed Form ON-BEN for each year you are claiming. The CRA will reassess your returns and issue any eligible payments retroactively, though processing may take several months.

How does moving between provinces affect my OTB eligibility?

Your eligibility for the OEPTC and NOEC is assessed based on where you live on the first day of each payment month. If you move from Ontario to another province mid-year, you will receive OTB payments only for the months when you were an Ontario resident on the first of the month. Similarly, if you move from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario, your NOEC payments will stop for subsequent months. Keep your address updated with the CRA to ensure accurate payments and avoid overpayments that you may need to repay later.

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