The Ontario trillium benefit is a non-taxable payment to low-medium-income earners in Ontario. It is calculated based on your income, age, family size, residence, and other factors. If you are a low-income earner living in Ontario, chances are high you’d be eligible for the Ontario trillium benefit payment. Not sure what the Ontario Trillium Benefit Dates are in 2021? Continue reading.
What is Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario trillium benefit is a non-taxable payment to low-medium-income earners in Ontario. The trillium benefit covers energy, property and sales tax costs.
Launched in 2011, the Ontario trillium benefit or OTB combines three payments into one.
These payments are:
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
The Ontario government funds the trillium benefit payments, which the Canada Revenue Agency distributes.
As you continue reading, you will learn everything about the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
What Are The Ontario Trillium Payment Dates 2021?
Since the first payment in July 2012, the Ontario Trillium payment dates have been consistent. The trillium benefit payments start from July of the previous year and continue on the 10th of every month.
Here are the Ontario Trillium payment dates for 2021:
- January 8, 2021
- February 10, 2021
- March 10, 2021
- April 9, 2021
- May 10, 2021
- June 10, 2021
- July 9, 2021
- August 10, 2021
- September 10, 2021
- October 8, 2021
- November 10, 2021
- December 10, 2021
However, since July 10, 2021, falls on a Saturday, the CRA will make the July payment on July 9, 2021.
If you’re eligible and didn’t receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit payment, contact the CRA 10 working days after the payment date.
Ontario Trillium Benefit 2021 Eligibility
To qualify for Ontario Trillium Benefit, you must be a Canadian and meet at least one of the requirements of the following OTB components:
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
In the subsequent parts of this post, you will learn about the requirements of each of the above credits.
What is the Northern Ontario Energy Credit?
The Northern Ontario Energy Credit is a non-taxable payment to help people living in Northern Ontario communities with their high home energy costs. Specifically, individuals or families living in the communities listed below will receive the NOEC payments if eligible.
- Algoma
- Cochrane
- Kenora
- Manitoulin
- Nipissing
- Parry Sound
- Rainy River
- Sudbury
- Thunder Bay
- Timiskaming
2021 Eligibility for Northern Ontario Energy Credit
To qualify for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) in 2021, you must be a resident of Northern Ontario as of December 31, 2020, and must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- be 18 years of age or older
- have or previously had a spouse or common-law partner
- have a parent who lives or previously lived with your child
and, in 2020, you
- Rented or paid property tax (by yourself or someone).
- lived in a public long-term care home (e.g., a seniors’ home) and paid an amount for your accommodation
- lived on a reserve and paid for your home energy costs
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
This credit is a tax-free payment to help you with your property taxes and sales tax on energy costs.
2021 Eligibility for Ontario Energy & Property Tax Credit
The eligibility criteria for the OEPTC are very similar to NOEC. To qualify, you must be a resident of Ontario, and at must meet at least one of the following other conditions:
- 18 years of age or older
- currently or previously married or in a common-law relationship
- a parent who lives or previously lived with your child
and, in 2020, you:
- rented or paid property tax for your main residence
- lived on a reserve and paid for your home energy costs
- lived in a public long-term care home (e.g., a seniors’ home) and paid an amount for your accommodation
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
This credit is a tax-free payment to help Ontarians with the sales tax they pay.
To qualify, you must be a resident of Ontario and meet at least one of the following conditions:
- 19 years of age or older
- currently or previously married or in a common-law relationship
- a parent who lives or previously lived with your child
Like the GST Tax credit, OSTC is a non-taxable credit to low-medium-income Ontarians for sales tax relief. The OSTC is the only component of the Ontario Trillium Benefit that doesn’t require an application.
The CRA will determine your qualification through your income tax and benefit return. You will be notified once you meet the qualifications.
Additional Ontario Benefits
Ontario residents can also benefit from the following credits:
1. Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG)
The Ontario senior homeowners’ property tax grant (OSHPTG) is designed to help low-medium-income Ontario seniors offset their property taxes.
The funds for the OSHPTG come entirely from the Province of Ontario and are disbursed by the CRA.
When filing their previous year’s income tax and benefit return, Ontario senior homeowners have the opportunity to apply for the year’s OSHPTG.
For example, for the 2020 income tax and benefit return, they are expected to apply for the 2021 payment.
2. Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
The Ontario child benefit (OCB) is a non-taxable payment to low-medium-income Ontarians toward meeting children’s needs. For each of your children (under the age of 18), you may receive up to $122.83 monthly. That’s, from July 2021 to June 2022.
If your family’s adjusted net income is more than $22,504, you may be eligible for a partial benefit.
3. Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
The Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) provides tax-free benefits to Ontario’s low-income seniors.
Depending on your income, you can earn up to $83 monthly on GAINS.
To qualify for this benefit, you must be:
- An Ontario resident for at least 12 months.
- A Canadian resident for at least 10 years.
- 65 years of age or older.
- Receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Old Age Security (OAS)
- A low-income earner.
You don’t have to apply for GAINS. Your eligibility will be automatically determined once you’re receiving the GIS and OAS payments.
How Much Trillium Benefits Can You Expect?
How much Ontario Trillium Benefit you can expect depends on the total amount you would get on OEPTC, NOEC and OSTC.
Here’s a breakdown of the maximum OEPTC, NOEC and OSTC amounts for 2020 (covering July 2020 to June 2021).
| Maximum Amount | OTB Component |
| Max: $157 To: Individuals Max: $241 To: Families | Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) |
| Max: $1,085 To: Residents under 18 and 64 Max: $1,235 To: Seniors over age 65 Max: $241 To: Residents living on a reserve or in a care home Max: $25 To: Students living in a designated private school, college or university or residence | Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) |
| Max: $313 To: Every adult and every child in a family | Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) |
What is the Minimum You Can Get from the OTB?
The minimum amount you can get on the OTC is $10. And if your amount falls within $2.01 – $9.99, you will get the minimum amount of $10.
However, you will not be eligible for a payment if your amount is $2 or below.
Overall, the amount you get on OTB depends on your prior tax filing, family size and net income, marital status, residence etc.
How is Ontario Trillium Benefit Calculated?
As mentioned earlier, how much OTB you get is determined by several factors.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is calculated using your:
- age
- family size
- income
- residence
- Cost of rent or property tax.
Thus, depending on the above factors, you may qualify for a low or high OTB amount.
Ontario Trillium Benefit Calculator
Even though you can have an idea of your OTB payment from the above factors, you can’t be sure. That’s why you need the Ontario Trillium Benefit Calculator.
So use the CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate the actual amount you will get from Ontario Trillium Benefit.
How is Ontario Trillium Benefit Paid?
Ontario Trillium Benefits are paid through direct deposit or cheque.
How you receive your Ontario Trillium Benefits depends on how you receive your income tax refund.
So if you get your tax refund through direct deposit, you will also get your OTB through direct deposit.
But if you don’t get your tax refund through direct deposit, expect to get a cheque of your OTB through the mail.
How Often Do You Get Ontario Trillium Benefit?
Your annual OTB benefit will be paid at once in July if it is $360 or less.
If your yearly OTB benefit exceeds $360, you can decide to have it paid at once at the end of the benefit year. (For example, in July 2021).
However, you will not receive any payment if your OTB benefit is $2 or less.
Finally, if your Ontario Trillium Benefit is between $2.01 to $9.99, It will be increased to $10, and you will get paid.
How Do I Apply for the 2021 OTB?
Every year, the CRA expects you to apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit to get paid.
To apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit, all you need is to file your income tax return and fill the ON-BEN Application Form.
However, that only applies to the Northern Ontario Energy Credit and Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit.
You don’t need to apply for the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) payment.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will determine your qualification automatically using your previous tax return.
For example, your 2020 tax return will be used to determine your 2021 entitlement.
If you’re finding it difficult to file your tax return, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program may help you.
How the Trillium Benefit is Paid
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is usually paid the same way you get your annual tax refund. For example, if you receive your income tax refund by direct deposit, you will receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit payment(s) also by direct deposit.
Subsequently, if you receive your tax refund by mail, then your trillium payment will be sent to you by mail on the 10th of each month, starting in July.
2021 Trillium Payments…
If you qualify for more than $360 in 2021, you will have the following options:
- monthly payments starting July 2021.
or
- a single payment in June 2022.
- $360 or less, you will receive a single payment in July 2021
- more than $2 but less than $10, it will be increased to $10
- $2 or less, you will not receive a payment
When to Contact the CRA about Ontario Trillium Benefit
There are moments when you need to contact the CRA for assistance about your Ontario Trillium Benefit. Such moments include when you:
- Are eligible but don’t receive your payment 10 working days after the payment date.
- Didn’t receive your due payment.
- Are asked to make credit repayment due to the federal government assessment or assessment.
If you encounter any of the above problems or any other problem with your OTB payment, you can file an objection.
You can do so online, through a representative, mail or fax.
Final Thoughts on Ontario Trillium Benefit Dates
There you have them; the Ontario Trillium Benefit dates for 2021.
Hopefully, you are now knowledgeable about what Ontario Trillium Benefit entails, how to qualify, how much to expect and how to get your OTB.
Once you meet the qualifications of the three components of OTB, you’re ready to anticipate Ontario Trillium Benefit dates for 2021 and beyond.
However, to ensure consistent payment, 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.
Let me know what your thoughts are about the Ontario Trillium Benefit in the comment section.
FAQs on Ontario Trillium Benefit 2020/2021
Here are the questions most people asked me about the Ontario Trillium Benefit 2020/2021:
Is the OTB a Taxable Benefit?
No, OTB payments are non-taxable. But if you have unpaid taxes or unsettled overpayments, the CRA may deduct it from your OTB.
Do I Qualify for Ontario Energy and Property Tax?
You only qualify for the Ontario Energy and Property Tax (OEPTC) if you:
- Rent or pay property tax (by yourself or someone).
- Settle the costs of living in a long-term care home in Ontario (by yourself or someone).
- Handle home energy costs (by yourself or someone).
- Live in a designated private school, college, or university, residence in Ontario.
Can I Still Apply if I Didn’t Apply for Any of the OTB Credit Components?
Yes, you can get back payment for OTB. But to receive your previous year’s OTB payments, you must request a reassessment of the applicable return (s).
Yes, you can get back pay for any OTB credit. For example, the OSTC has been a benefit since 2009, while OEPTC and NOEC have been available since 2010.
But to receive your previous year’s OTB payments, you must request a reassessment of the applicable return (s).
Also, you shouldn’t file any returns for the applicable years.
How Will I Receive My Ontario Trillium Benefit Payments?
Your OTB payments are made to the same channel you receive your income tax refund.
So if you receive your income tax refund via direct deposit, the same way you will receive your OTB payment.
But if you receive your income tax refund via cheque, your OTB payments will also come through cheque.
Is there a Maximum Income Qualification for OTB Payment?
Yes. The maximum income you need to qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit varies yearly.
For 2020, your adjusted family net income must be $35,000 or less to receive maximum payment in 2021.
Is there a Minimum Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment?
Yes. The minimum OTB payment is $10. So if you have $2 or less, you will not get paid. But if you have $2.01 to $9.99, it will be round up to $10, and you will get paid.
How Much is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit comprises all the amounts you get from OEPTC, NOEC and OSTC.
How much OTB payment you get depends on several factors outlined above.
Who Will Issue the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The CRA issues the Ontario Trillium Benefit annually to qualify Ontarians on behalf of the government of Ontario.
Can I Choose to Get My Ontario Trillium Benefit in One Payment this Year Rather than Monthly?
It depends. If your 2021 OTB entitlement exceeds $360, you can get your OTB in one payment on July 2021 (i.e. the end of the benefit year).
But if your 2021 OTB entitlement is $360 or below, expect to receive a lump-sum monthly payment often by July.
Will I Get the Ontario Trillium Benefit if I am Qualified for Only one or Two of the three components of the OTB?
Yes. All you need is to qualify for one of the three credits of the OTB and you are good to go.
If I Choose to Get My Ontario Trillium Benefit in One Payment this Year, Can I Change My Mind Part Way Through the Year?
Yes. But you have to contact the CRA on 1-877-627-6645 or notify your tax centre through a letter.
Is there a Deadline for Choosing to Get My Ontario Trillium Benefit in One Payment?
Yes. You can determine the deadline you choose to get your Ontario Benefit during your income tax and benefit return filing for the year.
For example, if want to receive the 2021 OTB while you’ve yet filed your 2020 tax return, you must do so on or before December 31, 2021
Why Did I Get a Lump-Sum Payment at the Beginning of the Benefit Year Instead of Monthly Payments?
Probably because your annual entitlement is $360 or less.
I Have Not Filed My 2020 Income Tax and Benefit Return. Will I Still Receive the OTB?
No. 2021 OTB Payments are paid to only eligible Ontarians that filed their 2020 income tax and benefit return.
Why Doesn’t My Income Tax Form Show How Much Money I’ll Get Back?
Because the OTB is not involved in your income tax assessment… the CRA will use your income tax return Information to determine your entitlement.
I Just Moved and My Address Changed. What Should I Do?
Call 1-877-627-6645 to inform the CRA about your new address and the exact date as soon as possible.
Will I Receive the Ontario Trillium Benefit if I Have Outstanding Debt?
The CRA will use your OTB to settle any outstanding debt you owe to the organization or its external partners. If there’s any remnant, it will be disbursed to you.
Do Underpayments or Overpayments Attract Interest Charges?
No. There are no interest charges on OTB underpayments or overpayments.
In the Year of Death, is the Estate Eligible for Any OTB Payment(s) for that Year?
It depends. For example, if the deceased is qualified for one of the credits of OTB and died on July 1, 2021, or later, they may be entitled to the 2021 OTB payment (s) for the year.
But if the deceased died before July 1, 2021, their estate will not receive any 20201 OTB payments.
If an Estate Receives an Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment for a Period after the Date of Death, What Should they Do?
The estate must return the payment to the deceased tax center. In doing so, the estate should provide the copy of the deceased death certificate or date of death.
Why Did I Get an Ontario Trillium Benefit?
You get the Ontario Trillium Benefit because you’re a low-medium-income Ontarian. Also, it is because you meet the qualifications of at least one of the components of the OTB.
What Is Considered Low Income in Ontario?
Low income in Ontario refers to individuals with less than $38,500 adjusted net income and families with less than $68,500 adjusted net income.
How Much is Ontario Trillium Benefit Deductible?
The Ontario Trillium deductible is about 4% of your family income.
Who Should I Contact if I Have a Question About the OTB?
If you have any questions about the OTB, you can contact the Province of Ontario at 1-866-668-8297.
