The next Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) payment is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Many people miss OTB payments because they did not file taxes, did not include the right Ontario benefit form, or their CRA details are not updated. OTB is also income-tested, so not everyone qualifies.
What the Ontario Trillium Benefit is
OTB is a tax-free payment that combines three Ontario credits into one deposit:
-
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
-
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
-
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
Which “benefit year” March 10 belongs to
The March 10, 2026 payment is part of the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, which is based on your 2024 tax return.
Basic eligibility: what CRA generally looks at
You usually need to:
-
Be an Ontario resident (rules depend on each credit and your situation)
-
File your tax return (CRA uses it to calculate benefits)
-
Include Form ON-BEN if you are claiming OEPTC and/or NOEC (many renters and students need this)
OTB payment dates for the rest of 2026
CRA lists these OTB payment dates for 2026:
-
March 10, 2026
-
April 10, 2026
-
May 8, 2026
-
June 10, 2026
-
July 10, 2026 (start of the next benefit year cycle)
How to estimate your payment
The most reliable starting point is the CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator (it gives an estimate based on your details).
If your March 10 payment does not arrive
Before calling CRA, check:
-
Your direct deposit and address in CRA My Account
-
Whether you filed your 2024 return (for this benefit year)
-
Whether you completed ON-BEN (if you expect OEPTC/NOEC)
FAQ
Is OTB for everyone in Ontario?
No. It is income-tested and based on eligibility for at least one of the three credits.
Do students qualify?
Some do, especially if they had eligible housing costs and completed the Ontario benefit application with their return (ON-BEN).
Does Northern Ontario matter?
Yes. NOEC depends on Northern Ontario residency rules (your location can affect monthly entitlement).
Reality check
-
OTB is not guaranteed and may be reduced or zero depending on income and eligibility.
-
CRA can only calculate OTB if you file taxes and (when needed) submit ON-BEN correctly.
-
If you recently moved, changed marital status, or changed housing, your OTB amount can change—always verify using official CRA tools.
