Ontario residents can expect a financial boost this summer, as the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) for July 2025 is set to roll out with increased payment amounts and updated eligibility based on 2024 tax returns. For some people, this will be the first time they qualify for the OTB — and it could mean receiving hundreds of tax-free dollars each month.
Whether you’re renting, paying property taxes, living on a reserve, or simply struggling to keep up with everyday costs, the OTB is designed to ease financial pressure for lower- and middle-income Ontarians. The first payment for the new benefit year arrives Thursday, July 10, 2025, and could be higher than last year’s due to annual inflation adjustments and changes in your tax situation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Ontario Trillium Benefit in July 2025 — including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments are sent.
Table of Contents
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a monthly, tax-free payment that helps residents offset the cost of:
- Sales tax on purchases (through the Ontario Sales Tax Credit)
- Energy bills and property taxes (through the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit)
- Home energy costs in Northern Ontario (through the Northern Ontario Energy Credit)
Instead of applying for these three credits separately, you receive them as one combined payment — the OTB — which is paid out by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Ontario government.
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Who Qualifies for the Ontario Trillium Benefit in July 2025?
To qualify for the 2025 benefit year, you must have:
- Filed your 2024 income tax return
- Been a resident of Ontario on the first day of the month
- Met the criteria for at least one of the three tax credits included in the OTB
You may be eligible if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have or had a spouse or common-law partner
- Are or were a parent who lives with their child
Additional eligibility for each credit:
1. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
- Simple eligibility: just file your taxes and meet the basic criteria above
- No extra forms needed
2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
You must have, in 2024:
- Paid property tax or rent (with landlord responsible for property tax)
- Paid home energy costs while living on a reserve
- Lived in a long-term care home and paid accommodation costs
- Lived in a student residence
3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
You must live in one of the eligible regions (e.g. Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Kenora) and, in 2024:
- Paid property tax or rent
- Paid home energy costs on a reserve
- Paid for a public or non-profit long-term care home
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How Much is the Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2025?
Your monthly OTB payment is based on your income, age, family size, and location, as well as which credits you qualify for.
Maximum 2025 OTB amounts:
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC):
Up to $371 per person (adults and children)
Phases out if income exceeds $28,506 (single) or $35,632 (couples/single parents) - Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC):
Up to $1,283 (age 18–64)
Up to $1,461 (age 65+)
Phases out at similar income thresholds - Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC):
Up to $185 for singles
Up to $285 for couples or single parents
Phases out above $49,885 (single) or $64,138 (families)
Example monthly OTB amounts:
- Single person eligible for all credits: up to $168.08/month
- Family of four: up to $269.16/month
🔸 If your total annual OTB is $360 or less, you’ll receive a lump-sum payment in July
🔸 If you opted for a single annual payment, it will be issued in June 2026
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How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit
There’s no separate application for most people — simply file your 2024 income tax return, even if you had no income.
- To get the OSTC, no extra steps are needed.
- To get the OEPTC or NOEC, you need to complete Form ON-BEN (included in your tax return).
- Tax software will usually prompt you to fill out this form automatically.
Your CRA notice of assessment will tell you how much you’re entitled to receive.
🎂 Turning 18 before June 1, 2026? You may qualify mid-year — payments start the month after your birthday.
Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit Taxable?
No. OTB payments are completely tax-free and do not count as income. They will not affect your tax refund or amount owing.
When is the Ontario Trillium Benefit Paid?
Monthly payments are issued on or near the 10th of each month. If the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday, you’ll receive the benefit on the previous business day.
OTB Payment Dates for 2025–2026:
- Thursday, July 10, 2025
- Friday, August 8, 2025
- Wednesday, September 10, 2025
- Friday, October 10, 2025
- Monday, November 10, 2025
- Wednesday, December 10, 2025
…and monthly into 2026.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on OTB July 2025
The Ontario Trillium Benefit July 2025 is a valuable support for thousands of Ontarians — and if your income dropped, rent increased, or household situation changed, you may now qualify even if you didn’t in the past.
To receive the benefit:
- File your 2024 taxes
- Complete ON-BEN if applying for energy/property credits
- Check your CRA My Account for payment details
Hundreds of dollars per month could be heading your way — tax-free — just in time to help with summer bills.