Ontario Trillium Benefit payments for December go out soon — Here's how much you can get
Check if you're eligible! 👀
The OTB offers hundreds of dollars to low- and moderate-income households in Ontario.
December has arrived, and with it comes a new batch of government payments for Canadians. If you live in Ontario, the December Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) payment could be just what you need to help manage your expenses this month.
The OTB is funded by the Government of Ontario but administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and it's designed to support low- to moderate-income households across Ontario with costs like energy bills and property taxes.
It's worth checking your eligibility now, as you could qualify for a payment of hundreds of dollars depending on factors like your income, family size and living situation.
Keep in mind that if you usually get your government payments by cheque, the ongoing Canada Post strike might delay your payment. To avoid any disruptions, Service Canada suggests enrolling in direct deposit, which ensures the money goes straight into your bank account on the payment date.
Here's everything you need to know about the December 2024 Ontario Trillium Benefit payment, including how much you might receive and when to expect it.
What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a monthly tax-free payment aimed at helping Ontarians cover costs like energy bills, property taxes and sales tax. While the funding comes from the Government of Ontario, the CRA handles the distribution.
This benefit rolls three separate credits into one payment: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Ontario Sales Tax Credit and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit.
If you qualify for any of these credits, you're eligible to receive the OTB.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
To qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) in December, you must have filed your 2023 tax return, even if you had no income. The CRA determines your eligibility based on the information provided in your return, including your household income.
If you missed the April 30 tax deadline, it's still a good idea to file your return as soon as possible to avoid missing out on payments.
If you're married or in a common-law relationship, the CRA takes both your and your partner's tax filings into account when calculating your payment. And if you'll be turning 18 before June 2025, make sure to file your 2023 tax return to start receiving payments when you become eligible.
How much can you receive from the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The amount you can receive from the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) depends on several factors, including your income, age, family size, where you live and the rent or property taxes you pay.
Here's a breakdown of the maximum yearly amounts you could qualify for from each credit:
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit: up to $180 for singles or $277 for families
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit: up to $1,248 if you're between 18 and 64, or up to $1,421 if you're 65 or older
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit: up to $360 each for you, your spouse and each dependent child
Your OTB payment is calculated based on your eligibility for these credits and split into 12 monthly payments.
When do Ontario Trillium Benefit payments go out?
The next Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) payment is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10. Generally, OTB payments are sent on the 10th of each month, but if the date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are issued on the last business day before.
Here's a list of all the remaining OTB payment dates for the 2024 benefit year:
- December 10, 2024
- January 10, 2025
- February 10, 2025
- March 10, 2025
- April 10, 2025
- May 9, 2025
- June 10, 2025
However, if your 2024 OTB entitlement was $360 or less for the year, you should have already received it as a one-time payment back in July.
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