The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a vital financial lifeline for low- to moderate-income residents of Ontario, offering tax-free support to help offset the rising costs of energy, property taxes, and sales taxes. As we move into the new benefit year starting July 2025, the OTB continues to provide significant relief for eligible Ontarians, with payments potentially exceeding $2,000 annually depending on individual circumstances. This comprehensive guide explores the July 2025 OTB payment, including its scheduled date, eligibility requirements, and key details to ensure you receive your entitled benefits without delay.
Understanding the Ontario Trillium Benefit
The OTB is a refundable tax credit administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Ontario government. It combines three distinct credits designed to alleviate specific financial burdens faced by Ontarians:
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC): This credit helps cover energy costs and property taxes for homeowners, renters, and those living on reserves or in long-term care facilities. The maximum OEPTC for 2025 is $1,461 for seniors aged 64 and older and $1,283 for individuals aged 18 to 64.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC): Aimed at residents of Northern Ontario, this credit offsets higher energy costs in regions like Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Kenora. The maximum NOEC is $185 for single individuals and $285 for couples or single parents.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC): This credit provides up to $371 per adult and child in a household to help offset sales taxes paid on goods and services.
These credits are combined into a single OTB payment, which can be received either monthly or as a lump sum, depending on the total entitlement. For July 2025, the OTB payment is particularly significant as it marks the start of the new benefit year, with amounts based on your 2024 income tax return. The program is designed to support low- and moderate-income households, with payments adjusted based on factors like income, family size, and location.
The OTB is fully tax-free, meaning you don’t need to report it as income on your tax return, and it won’t affect your tax refund or liability. This makes it a powerful tool for easing financial pressures, whether you’re a renter struggling with utility bills, a homeowner facing property taxes, or a Northern Ontario resident dealing with elevated energy costs.
July 2025 Payment Date and Schedule
The OTB is typically issued on the 10th of each month, with adjustments made if the date falls on a weekend or statutory holiday. For July 2025, the payment is scheduled to be deposited on Thursday, July 10, 2025, as confirmed by multiple sources, including the CRA and financial news outlets. If you’re enrolled in direct deposit, you can expect the funds to appear in your bank account on this date. For those receiving payments by cheque, delivery may take up to 10 business days, so direct deposit is recommended for faster access.
The full OTB payment schedule for the 2025 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026) is as follows:
July 10, 2025
August 8, 2025
September 10, 2025
October 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
December 10, 2025
January 9, 2026
February 10, 2026
March 10, 2026
April 10, 2026
May 8, 2026
June 10, 2026
If your total OTB entitlement is $360 or less, you will receive a single lump-sum payment in July 2025 instead of monthly installments. For amounts exceeding $360, payments are typically spread across 12 monthly installments, but you can opt for a single payment in June 2026 by ticking box 61060 on Form ON-BEN when filing your 2024 tax return. If your entitlement is between $2 and $10, it will be increased to $10 to ensure you receive a meaningful payment.
To avoid delays, ensure your CRA account details, including your address and banking information, are up to date. You can update these through CRA My Account or by completing the Canada direct deposit enrolment form. If your 2024 tax return is assessed after June 19, 2025, your first payment may be delayed by 4-8 weeks, but it will include any retroactive amounts owed from previous months.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 OTB
Eligibility for the OTB is straightforward but varies depending on which of the three credits you qualify for. To receive the OTB, you must be eligible for at least one of the following credits: OEPTC, NOEC, or OSTC. Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility requirements for each component.
General OTB Eligibility
To qualify for the OTB in 2025, you must meet these baseline requirements:
Be a resident of Ontario as of December 31, 2024.
Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
File your 2024 income tax and benefit return, even if you have no income to report.
For payments from July 2025 onward, your eligibility is based on your 2024 tax return, as opposed to the 2023 return used for payments up to June 2025. Filing by April 30, 2025, ensures timely payments, while late filings may delay your benefits.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
The OEPTC is designed to assist with energy costs and property taxes. You may be eligible if you lived in Ontario on December 31, 2024, and at least one of the following applies:
You paid rent or property tax for your principal residence in Ontario in 2024.
You paid accommodation costs for a public or non-profit long-term care home in Ontario.
You paid home energy costs (e.g., electricity, heat) for a principal residence on a reserve in Ontario.
You lived in a designated university, college, or private school residence in Ontario in 2024.
The maximum OEPTC amounts for 2025 are $1,461 for seniors (64 and older) and $1,283 for individuals aged 18 to 64. The credit phases out for incomes above approximately $28,506 for singles or $35,632 for couples, single parents, or senior families.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
The NOEC supports residents of Northern Ontario, where energy costs are typically higher. To qualify, you must reside in one of the following districts on December 31, 2024: Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, or Timiskaming. Additionally, you must meet one of these criteria:
Paid rent or property tax for your principal residence in Northern Ontario in 2024.
Paid accommodation costs for a public or non-profit long-term care home in Northern Ontario.
Paid home energy costs for a principal residence on a reserve in Northern Ontario.
The maximum NOEC is $185 for single individuals and $285 for couples or single parents, with reductions starting at incomes above $49,885 for singles or $64,138 for families.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
The OSTC helps offset sales taxes paid on goods and services. To qualify, you must be an Ontario resident on December 31, 2024, and meet one of these conditions before June 1, 2026:
Be 19 or older.
Be married or in a common-law relationship.
Be a parent living with your child.
The maximum OSTC is $371 per adult and child in a household, with phase-outs starting at incomes above $28,506 for singles or $35,632 for families.
Additional Notes on Eligibility
Temporary residents, such as those on work or study permits, may qualify if they are considered Ontario residents for tax purposes, have a valid SIN, and file a 2024 tax return. Income thresholds determine the exact amount you receive, with credits phasing out as income increases. For example, the OSTC phases out for individuals with incomes above $30,159 and families above $37,699, while the OEPTC and NOEC phase out at higher thresholds ($58,238 for singles, $72,798 for families).
If you move out of Ontario or Northern Ontario during the benefit year, your eligibility may change. For instance, if you relocate on November 10, 2025, you may still receive the November payment but not subsequent ones. Always update your address with the CRA to avoid payment disruptions.
How to Apply and Maximize Your OTB
Applying for the OTB is seamless, as no separate application is required for the OSTC. The CRA automatically assesses your eligibility based on your tax return. However, for the OEPTC and NOEC, you must complete Form ON-BEN, included in your tax return package, and submit it with your 2024 income tax return. Here are key steps to ensure you receive your OTB:
File Your Taxes on Time: Submit your 2024 income tax return by April 30, 2025, to avoid delays. Self-employed individuals have until June 16, 2025, but filing early is recommended.
Complete Form ON-BEN: For OEPTC and NOEC, accurately report expenses like rent, property taxes, or energy costs to maximize your credit.
Update CRA Information: Ensure your address, marital status, and banking details are current via CRA My Account or the direct deposit enrolment form.
Choose Payment Preference: If your OTB exceeds $360, decide between monthly payments or a lump sum in June 2026 by ticking box 61060 on Form ON-BEN.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Double-check your tax return for errors, as inaccuracies can reduce or delay payments.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re new to tax filing or unsure about eligibility, consult a tax professional or use the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for free assistance.
To maximize your benefit, report all eligible expenses, such as rent, property taxes, and energy costs, accurately. Setting up direct deposit ensures faster access to funds, and using CRA My Account allows you to track payment statuses and address issues promptly.
Avoiding Scams and Ensuring Payment Security
The Ontario government has warned of text message scams claiming to offer OTB payments in exchange for personal information or clicking fraudulent links. The CRA and the Ontario government will never request personal or financial details via text or instant messages. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or provide information. Instead, verify your payment status through CRA My Account or contact the CRA at 1-866-668-8297.
If you believe you’ve received less than expected or need to dispute an assessment, you can file a formal objection with the CRA, as outlined in your Notice of Assessment or Reassessment. Be cautious of messages claiming specific payment amounts, such as “$258.00 (CAD),” without official CRA confirmation.
Looking Ahead
The Ontario Trillium Benefit for July 2025 offers critical financial support for eligible Ontarians, with payments scheduled for July 10, 2025. By filing your 2024 tax return, completing Form ON-BEN for applicable credits, and keeping your CRA information updated, you can ensure timely receipt of your tax-free payment. Whether you’re eligible for the OEPTC, NOEC, or OSTC, the OTB can provide up to $2,000 or more annually, helping you manage rising living costs. Stay proactive, verify your eligibility, and take advantage of this valuable program to ease your financial burden in 2025.
For more details, visit the CRA website or consult a tax professional to optimize your benefits. Share this guide with friends and family to help them claim their OTB and make the most of this essential financial resource.