Mark your calendars! The next Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) payment, including the new increase for 2024, will be sent to eligible Ontarians on September 10, 2024.
This essential tax benefit helps low- and moderate-income families manage rising costs, including property taxes, energy bills, and sales taxes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the 2024 Ontario Trillium Benefit, from eligibility criteria to upcoming OTB payment dates and how you can make the most of this financial assistance.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a crucial tax credit that combines three different provincial benefits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
The OTB helps eligible Ontarians by providing financial relief for energy costs, property taxes, and sales taxes.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) starts distributing payments each year in July, and they are based on your income tax return.
Starting July 2024, the OTB received an increase to better assist residents of Ontario.
The payment schedule continues monthly, with the next disbursement on September 10, 2024.
2024 Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Dates
Here are the upcoming 2024 Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) payment dates:
- August 9, 2024
- September 10, 2024
- October 10, 2024
- November 8, 2024
- December 10, 2024
If your 2024 OTB entitlement is $360 or less, you might have received a lump-sum payment in July 2024.
For those whose entitlement exceeds $360, payments are spread over 12 months, with monthly payments beginning in July.
OTB Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
To qualify for the 2024 Ontario Trillium Benefit, you must meet the following general criteria:
- Be an Ontario resident
- File an income tax return for the previous year
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Eligibility for the OTB also depends on specific credits included in your benefit:
1. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) Eligibility
You qualify for the OSTC if you:
- Are 19 years of age or older?
- Are a parent living with your child, or have been a parent
- Are married or in a common-law relationship
2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Be an Ontario resident on or before December 31, 2023
- Have paid property taxes or rent
- Lived on a reserve and paid energy costs, or resided in a long-term care facility
3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Eligibility
To qualify for this tax-free payment, you must:
- Live in Northern Ontario (regions such as Sudbury, Thunder Bay, etc.) prior to December 31, 2023
- Be 18 years or older, married, or a parent
- Have paid energy costs or property taxes
How Much Can You Receive?
The 2024 Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) provides the following maximum annual payments:
3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Eligibility
To qualify for this tax-free payment, you must:
- Live in Northern Ontario (regions such as Sudbury, Thunder Bay, etc.) prior to December 31, 2023
- Be 18 years or older, married, or a parent
- Have paid energy costs or property taxes
How Much Can You Receive?
The 2024 Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) provides the following maximum annual payments:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB is a payment that helps low- and moderate-income Ontarians manage the costs associated with energy, property taxes, and sales tax.
It combines the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC), the Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC), and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC).
2. When are the OTB payment dates for 2024?
The OTB payments are scheduled for:
August 9, 2024
September 10, 2024
October 10, 2024
November 8, 2024
December 10, 20243. What is the maximum payment for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The maximum annual payments vary depending on which credits you qualify for:
NOEC: $180 for singles, $277 for families
OEPTC: $1,248 for those aged 18-64, $1,421 for seniors 65+
OSTC: $360 per person4. What happens if my OTB entitlement is $360 or less?
If your entitlement is $360 or less, you’ll receive a lump-sum payment on July 10, 2024. For entitlements over $360, monthly payments will be issued starting in July 2024.
