Ontario’s Trillium Benefit is a refundable tax credit that helps people with low to moderate incomes. The benefit is designed to provide financial assistance to those who need it the most.
You can receive up to $909 per year if you’re eligible for the Trillium Benefit. This blog post will discuss who is eligible for the benefit and how to claim it.
We’ll also provide tips on making the most of your Trillium Benefit. So, if you’re looking for information on Ontario’s Trillium Benefit, you’ve come to the right place!
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a refundable tax credit available to eligible Ontario residents. The benefit is calculated based on the amount of eligible property taxes paid and the cost of certain necessities such as child care and public transit.
To receive the OTB, taxpayers must file their taxes electronically and include their social insurance number on their return. The Ontario trillium benefit is paid out in two instalments, with the first instalment being paid in July and the second in October.
For taxpayers who are not receiving social assistance, the maximum annual benefit is $1,145. For those who are receiving social assistance, the maximum benefit is $360.
The OTB can help to reduce the financial burden of paying for essential expenses, and it can also help to boost household spending power. As such, it is an important government benefit for Ontario residents.
Who is eligible for the OTB?
If you live in Ontario and pay provincial taxes, you may be eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit. The Ontatio trillium is a tax-free benefit that helps to offset the cost of owning or renting a home. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a resident of Ontario on December 31st of the tax year.
- You must be at least 18 years of age on December 31st of the tax year.
- You (or your spouse or common-law partner) must own or rent your principal residence in Ontario on December 31st of the tax year.
- Your household income must be below certain amounts in order to qualify.
If you meet all of the above criteria, you can apply for the OTB by completing and filing an application form. For more information, visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance website.
How do I apply for the Ontario trillium benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a monthly payment that helps low- and middle-income households with the cost of energy and property taxes. The benefit is based on the amount of eligible expenses you have paid during the year.
To apply for the benefit, you must complete an application form and submit it to your municipality or local utility company. You can find the application form online or at your local library.
The benefit is paid out once per year, and you must reapply each year to receive the benefit. If you have any questions about the application process, you can contact your municipality or local utility company.
When will I receive my Ontario trillium payments?
If you do not receive your tax refund by direct deposit, you will receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit payments by mail on the 10th of each month, starting in July.
The timing of your Ontario Trillium Benefit depends on when you applied. If you applied for the benefit in July, you should receive your payment by August 15th.
If you applied after that, payments would be processed and sent out within 10 days from the application date. You can also check your status online or call the government.
Also, if your annual benefit is less than $360, you can elect to receive a lump sum in July. You can receive the Trillium benefit directly into your bank account through direct deposit or receive it by cheque in your mail.
I will personally advise you to enrol for direct deposit through your CRA account and continue to receive your Trillum payments with ease.
If you’re eligible and didn’t receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit payment, wait for 10 business days, and contact the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1-800-387-1193.
How will I receive my OTB payments?
You can receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit in one of three ways: direct deposit into a personal bank account, cheque by mail, or the Ontario Professional Payment Card.
Direct Deposit is the fastest way to receive your payment and is safer than receiving a paper cheque in the mail. You must provide your banking information when you apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
If you choose to receive your payment by cheque, it will be mailed to the address we have on file for you. If your address changes at any time, it is important that you inform us so that we can send your payments to the correct address from then on.
The OTB provides a great opportunity for eligible Ontarians to receive financial relief. If you or someone you know is struggling to make ends meet, check if you’re eligible for the program and apply as soon as possible. And if you have any questions about the application process or need help applying, there are many resources available to assist you.
The rising costs and inflation are everywhere. Starting October 1, 2022. the government has announced an increase in its minimum wage by 3.33%, which is still not enough for most families to live a decent lifestyle. This is where the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB), also known as the Canada PRO Benefit, comes in.
How much is the Ontario trillium benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit you will receive on the Trillium payment dates depends on the total amount you qualify for under the OEPTC, NOEC, and OSTC.
The Trillium benefits amount also depends on your age, marital status, adjusted family net income, whether or not you have children, the value of the property taxes you have paid or that have been paid on your behalf if you are a renter, and the energy costs you have paid if you are on a reserve.
The table below summarizes the maximum NOEC, OEPTC, and OSTC amounts for 2022.
OTB Component | Maximum Amount |
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) | Max of $162 paid to individuals Max of $249 paid to families |
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) | Max of $1,277 paid to residents between the age of 18 and 64 years Max of $1,121 paid to residents over the age of 65 years Max of $241 paid to residents living on a reserve or in a care home Max of $25 paid to Students living in a designated private school, college or university, or residence |
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) | Max of $313 paid to every adult and every child in a family |
In any case, the minimum amount you can get on the OTB is $10. If the benefit falls within $2.01 – $9.99, you will get a minimum of $10. However, you will not be eligible for a payment if your amount is $2 or below.
You may also use the CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate the amount you will get for the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
How To Apply for Ontario Trillium Benefit
Every year, the CRA expects you to apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit to get paid.
To apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit, specifically the Northern Ontario Energy Credit and the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, all you need is to file your income tax return and fill out the ON-BEN Application Form.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will then determine your qualification automatically using your previous tax return. For example, your 2021 tax return will determine your 2022 eligibility.
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program may help you if you find it difficult to file your tax return.
You don’t need to apply for the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) payment.
Final Thoughts on The OTB and Trillium Payment Dates
In closing, the Ontario Trillium Benefits is an excellent supplement to your income and can be used to boost your investment and savings.
To ensure you continue to receive these benefits on the Trillium payment dates, you have to commit to filing your income tax return annually.
But if at any point you fail to receive payment after meeting all the requirements, don’t hesitate to contact the CRA.
Hi, I'm Adeola Adegoke. I am a licensed Insurance Broker in Manitoba, and I hold a master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences (with a major in Financial Modeling) from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Tanzania.
Also, I have a second master's degree in Statistics from the University of Regina, and I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Statistics at the University of Manitoba.
The primary purpose of Money Reverie is to help everyday Canadians make better financial decisions by providing up-to-date financial news and information, reports, product reviews, and government programs.
Do I get the payment for this
If all 3 individuals co-own a house together, can we all apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit on property tax credit? Do we all input the full property tax amount or divide it up equally? Thanks!