The Ontario trillium benefit (OTB) is a benefit paid to people of Ontario with low to moderate incomes. It combines the following three credits into on payment:
-
- Ontario sales tax credit
- Ontario energy and property tax credit, and
- Northern Ontario energy credit
Benefit year
The benefit year runs from July of one year to June 30 of the following year. It is based on information from your prior year personal income tax return. For example, the July 2014 to June 2015 benefit year is based on your 2013 tax return.
Monthly payments or one lump sum payment
If your OTB is over $360, you will receive monthly payments on the 10th of each month.
If your OTB is $360 or less and your file your tax return by April 30th, you will receive the entire amount as a single payment in July.
Starting with the 2014-2015 benefit year, you can choose to get your OTB payments monthly or as a single payment at the end of the benefit year. For example, you can choose to have a single payment in June 2015 instead of monthly payments during the benefit year starting in July 2014.
How to receive OTB?
People must apply for the OTB every year on their tax returns.