FinancialFebruary 18, 20269 min read

How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)

By WelcomeAide Team

Ontario family reviewing their tax benefit information at home

What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a combined payment that includes three Ontario tax credits designed to help low- to moderate-income residents with the cost of living. If you're a newcomer living in Ontario, the OTB can provide meaningful monthly or annual payments to help with energy costs, property tax, and sales tax.

The three credits that make up the OTB are:

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): Helps with property tax and energy costs (electricity, heat, etc.)
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Additional help for residents of Northern Ontario with higher energy costs
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): Helps offset the Ontario portion of the HST for low-income individuals and families

Ontario home with energy-efficient features representing property tax and energy credits

Who Is Eligible?

Each of the three components has slightly different eligibility criteria, but generally you may qualify if:

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)

You are a resident of Ontario on December 31 of the tax year
You are 18 years of age or older (or have a spouse/common-law partner, or are a parent)
You paid property tax or rent for your principal residence in Ontario, OR you paid for energy costs (electricity, heat) on a reserve or in a public long-term care home
You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, Convention refugee, or have lived in Canada for at least 18 months with a valid permit

Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)

You meet the OEPTC criteria above
You lived in Northern Ontario on December 31 of the tax year (northern districts include Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming)

Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)

You are a resident of Ontario on the first day of the payment month
You are 19 years of age or older (or have a spouse/common-law partner, or are a parent)
You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or other qualifying status

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount you receive depends on your income, family size, and housing costs. Here are the approximate maximum amounts for the 2025 tax year:

OEPTC Maximum Amounts

Individuals aged 18 to 64: Up to $1,194
Seniors (65+): Up to $1,360
Families: Amounts vary based on family income and property tax/rent paid

NOEC Maximum Amounts

Single individuals: Up to $180
Families: Up to $277

OSTC Maximum Amounts

Per individual: Up to $345
Per family member: Additional amounts for children

The total OTB can be over $1,000 per year for qualifying individuals and families.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Unlike many benefits, you don't need to fill out a separate application for the OTB. Instead, you apply by filing your annual income tax return and completing the relevant sections.

Step 1: File Your Income Tax Return

You must file an income tax return with the CRA, even if you have no income to report. This is how the CRA determines your eligibility for the OTB and calculates your benefit amount.

Step 2: Complete the ON-BEN Form

When filing your tax return, you must complete Form ON-BEN — Application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit and Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant. This form is typically included in tax software or can be obtained from the CRA website.

The ON-BEN form asks for:

Your residency information: Confirm that you lived in Ontario
Property tax paid: The total property tax you paid for your principal residence in the year
Rent paid: If you rent, the total rent you paid for your principal residence (your landlord's name, address, and the amount)
Energy costs: If applicable, the amount you paid for energy on a reserve or in a long-term care home
Northern Ontario residence: Whether you lived in Northern Ontario

Step 3: Choose Your Payment Option

When filing, you can choose to receive your OTB as:

Monthly payments: Spread out over 12 months (payments start in July)
Single annual payment: One lump sum

Most people choose monthly payments for consistent budget planning.

Newcomer filing their income tax return online to apply for Ontario Trillium Benefit

Step 4: Set Up Direct Deposit

To receive your OTB payments quickly, set up direct deposit with the CRA. You can do this through:

Your My CRA Account online at canada.ca
Your bank's online banking (most major Canadian banks allow you to set up CRA direct deposit)
By calling the CRA at 1-800-959-8281

Step 5: Receive Your Payments

If you chose monthly payments, you'll start receiving them in July of the year after you file your tax return. For example, if you file your 2025 tax return in spring 2026, your OTB payments will start in July 2026.

Important Tips for Newcomers

File Your Taxes Every Year

This is the most important step. Many newcomers don't realize that filing a tax return is essential even if you have no income. Without a tax return, the CRA cannot calculate your benefits, and you'll miss out on the OTB and other credits.

Keep Your Rent Receipts

If you're a renter, keep records of your rent payments and your landlord's information. You'll need to report the total rent paid during the year on the ON-BEN form. While you don't need to submit receipts with your return, the CRA may ask for them later.

File on Time

The deadline to file your tax return is April 30 each year (June 15 if you or your spouse are self-employed, but any taxes owing are still due by April 30). Filing late may delay your OTB payments.

Report Your Spouse's Income

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, both of you should file tax returns. The CRA considers your combined family income when calculating the OTB.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not filing a tax return: You must file to receive the OTB — it's not automatic
Forgetting to complete ON-BEN: This form is your application for the OTB. If you skip it, you won't receive the benefit
Incorrect rent or property tax amounts: Double-check these numbers against your receipts and tax bills
Not reporting a move: If you move within or out of Ontario, update your address with the CRA
Not reporting a change in marital status: Changes in your family situation affect your benefit amount

Using Free Tax Filing Services

If you need help filing your tax return, the CRA offers the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). Volunteers at local community organizations prepare tax returns for free for people with modest incomes and simple tax situations. Many settlement agencies also offer free tax clinics for newcomers.

To find a free tax clinic near you, visit canada.ca/taxes-help or call 1-800-959-8281.

Additional Resources

Ontario Trillium Benefit overview: canada.ca/ontario-trillium-benefit
Form ON-BEN: Included in tax software or available at canada.ca
CRA My Account: canada.ca/my-cra-account
CRA phone: 1-800-959-8281

Community volunteer helping newcomers file taxes at a free tax clinic

Final Thoughts

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is free money that many newcomers leave on the table simply because they don't file their taxes or don't know about the benefit. If you live in Ontario, filing your tax return and completing the ON-BEN form is one of the simplest things you can do to reduce your cost of living. Whether you're renting or own a home, whether you're working or not, take the time to file your taxes each year and claim the benefits you're entitled to. It's your money — don't leave it unclaimed.

Beyond OTB: Other Key Benefits for Newcomers

While the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a significant support for many newcomers, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Canada offers a range of other federal and provincial benefits that can significantly ease your financial transition. Understanding and applying for these can make a substantial difference in your settlement journey.

Federal Benefits You Might Be Eligible For:

GST/HST Credit: This is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) that they pay. You don't need to apply for this credit; the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) determines your eligibility when you file your income tax and benefit return.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB): If you have children under 18, the CCB is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children. It's crucial to apply for this benefit as soon as your children arrive in Canada or are born. You can find more details and how to apply on the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) page on Canada.ca.

Provincial Benefits in Ontario:

Beyond the OTB, Ontario also has specific programs designed to support residents. These can include housing benefits, energy support programs, and more. Eligibility often depends on income, family size, and specific circumstances.

To get a clearer picture of all the financial support available to you, consider using WelcomeAide's Benefits Finder. This tool can help you identify federal, provincial, and even municipal programs you might qualify for, streamlining your search for assistance. Additionally, understanding how these benefits contribute to your overall financial well-being is key. Our Cost of Living Calculator can help you budget and see how various benefits impact your monthly expenses.

Understanding Your Canadian Taxes: The Gateway to Benefits

For newcomers, understanding the Canadian tax system is not just about fulfilling an obligation; it's the essential gateway to accessing benefits like the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) and many others. Even if you have little or no income in your first year, filing an income tax and benefit return is critical because it's how the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assesses your eligibility for most federal and...

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