Updated July 2026. The Ontario Trillium Benefit combines the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, and Northern Ontario Energy Credit into one tax-free monthly deposit. A surprising number of eligible Ontarians miss out on it entirely — usually for one of a few avoidable reasons.
Why People Miss OTB Payments
- Not filing taxes: the CRA calculates your OTB from your tax return — if you don’t file, even with no income to report, you won’t be assessed for the benefit
- Missing Form ON-BEN: if you’re claiming the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit or the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, you need to complete and submit Form ON-BEN with your return — this trips up a lot of renters and students in particular, who don’t always realize it applies to them
- Outdated CRA details: if your address, marital status, or direct deposit information isn’t current, payments can be delayed or misdirected
Which Benefit Year Applies
OTB payments follow a July-to-June benefit year based on the prior year’s tax return. Payments running from July 2025 through June 2026 are calculated from your 2024 return; the cycle resets each July using the most recently filed return.
Basic Eligibility
Generally, you need to be an Ontario resident (specific residency rules vary by which of the three credits applies to you), have filed a tax return, and — if claiming OEPTC or NOEC — have submitted Form ON-BEN. Because OTB is income-tested, not everyone who files and submits the right form ends up qualifying for a payment.
2026 Payment Dates
OTB pays on the 10th of each month (with minor date shifts around weekends/holidays): January 9, February 10, March 10, April 10, May 8, June 10, July 10, August 10, September 10, October 9, November 10, and December 10.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency, Ontario Trillium Benefit Questions and Answers.
