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Ontario Trillium Benefit for Newcomers: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. Which three credits make up the OTB?
  3. How do you apply?
  4. When is it paid?
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Do I need to apply separately?
    2. Is the OTB taxable?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit? The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a tax-free payment that helps low- to moderate-income Ontario residents with energy costs, sales tax and property tax. It combines three credits, and you must qualify for at least one. Newcomers often miss it because you apply through your income tax return, and you have to file even if you had no income.

Quick answer

  • File your personal income tax return by April 30 and complete and include the ON-BEN application form.
  • You must file even with no income. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) decides eligibility from your return.
  • Amounts are adjusted yearly for inflation.
  • Filing late still makes you eligible, but payments may be delayed.

Which three credits make up the OTB?

Credit Who it is for (2026 benefit year, July 2026 to June 2027) Maximum stated
Northern Ontario Energy Credit Lived in a listed Northern Ontario area on December 31, 2025, and in 2025 rented or paid property tax on your main residence, lived on a reserve and paid energy costs, or lived in a public long-term care home and paid part of the accommodation $189 for a single person; $290 for a family
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit Ontario resident on December 31, 2025 who in 2025 paid property tax on your main residence, rented where the landlord paid property tax, lived on a reserve and paid energy costs, or paid for accommodation in a public long-term care home $1,307 (ages 18 to 64); $1,488 (65 and over); $290 (reserve or long-term care); $25 for time in a designated postsecondary residence
Ontario Sales Tax Credit Ontario resident aged 19 or older, or who is or has been married or in a common-law relationship, or is a parent living with a child Up to $378, plus up to $378 each for a spouse or common-law partner and each dependent child under 19

For all credits, you must meet an age, relationship or parenting condition at some point before June 1, 2027. Eligibility also depends on where you live on the first of each month.

How do you apply?

  1. First make sure you have a SIN and a CRA account. See how to get a SIN and CRA My Account for newcomers.
  2. File your income tax return by April 30. Read taxes for newcomers to Canada for how newcomers file.
  3. Complete and include the ON-BEN application form.
  4. If you cannot prepare your return yourself, ask about the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

When is it paid?

Amount for the 2026 benefit year Payment
More than $500 Choose monthly payments starting July 2026, or a single payment in June 2027; the total is the same either way
$500 or less One payment in July 2026
More than $2 but less than $10 Increased to $10
$2 or less No payment

If your tax refund goes by direct deposit, the OTB is also paid by direct deposit. Otherwise, payments are mailed on the 10th of each month, starting in July.

Common mistakes

  • Not filing a return in your first year because you had no income.
  • Forgetting to include the ON-BEN form.
  • Missing the April 30 deadline.
  • Assuming the amounts are the same every year; they are adjusted for inflation.

FAQ

Do I need to apply separately?

No. You apply with the ON-BEN form attached to your tax return.

Is the OTB taxable?

The province describes it as a tax-free payment.

Key takeaways

  • File your return and include ON-BEN by April 30.
  • Three credits, at least one must apply.
  • Late filing delays, but does not remove, your eligibility.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not tax advice. Amounts and dates change each benefit year; check the Government of Ontario and the CRA.

Sources

  • Government of Ontario: Ontario Trillium Benefit

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