Ontario Trillium Benefit Payments Issued to Eligible Residents

Are you an Ontario resident struggling with high energy costs, property taxes, or sales taxes? The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) might be just what you need. It’s a tax-free payment for low- and moderate-income residents, designed to ease the financial burden of living in Ontario. But how do you know if you’re eligible? And how do you apply? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can get the help you deserve.

What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a combination of three credits. These credits help with different expenses:

1. Northern Ontario Energy Credit
2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
3. Ontario Sales Tax Credit

If you qualify for at least one of these, you may be eligible for the OTB. It’s really meant to help cover everyday costs like energy bills and property taxes.

Who Can Get the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

To qualify, there are a few things you need to check. First, you must live in Ontario on December 31, 2023. Also, you need to meet one of these requirements before June 1, 2025:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have or had a spouse or common-law partner
• Be a parent who lives or lived with your child

It doesn’t stop there. Each of the three credits under the OTB has its own rules. So, let’s look at those next.

Northern Ontario Energy Credit: Who Is Eligible?

The Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) is for people living in Northern Ontario, where energy costs are higher. If you live in places like Algoma, Cochrane, or Sudbury, this credit could help you. To qualify, you must be living in Northern Ontario on December 31, 2023, and meet at least one of the basic requirements mentioned earlier. You must have also paid rent, property tax, or home energy costs in 2023.

How much can you get? If you’re single, you might receive up to $180. If you have a family, you could get as much as $277. It’s tax-free, so you won’t have to worry about paying it back.

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit: More Relief for Ontario Residents

The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) helps residents across Ontario, not just the northern regions. It covers some of your property tax and energy costs. To qualify, you must have paid property taxes or energy costs for your main home in 2023.This credit is especially helpful if you’re paying both energy bills and property taxes, giving you extra relief.

Ontario Sales Tax Credit: Covering Everyday Expenses

The Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) helps residents manage the cost of sales tax on everyday items. To qualify, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements (age, marital status, or parenthood) and be a resident of Ontario.

If you qualify, you could get up to $360. If you have a spouse or dependent children, you may receive an additional $360for each of them. Like the other credits, this one is tax-free.

How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit

Applying for the Ontario Trillium Benefit is simple. Every year, you must file your Income Tax and Benefit Returnand fill out the ON-BEN Application Form that comes with it. Even if you don’t have any income to report, you should still file your tax return to make sure you’re considered for the OTB.

After you file, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will review your information and decide if you’re eligible for the benefit. They will let you know if you qualify and how much you’ll receive.

When Do You Get the Payments?

Once you qualify, your Ontario Trillium Benefit payments will start coming in July 2024. You can choose to receive the payments monthly or get a single payment in June 2025. Either way, the total amount stays the same.

If you qualify for more than $360, you’ll have the choice to get monthly payments starting in July or a lump sum in June 2025. If you qualify for $360 or less, you’ll get a single payment in July 2024. For smaller amounts, between $2 and $10, your payment will be bumped up to $10. But if your benefit is less than $2, you won’t get a payment.

If you already get your tax refund by direct deposit, your Ontario Trillium Benefit will also be deposited directly. If not, you’ll receive a check in the mail on the 10th of each month.

Common Problems and Solutions

What if you don’t get your payment or think you received less than you should? First, check your Notice of Assessment. If something seems wrong, you can file a formal objection with the CRA. They’ll investigate and let you know if you’re owed more.

Common reasons for objections include:

• Missing or delayed payments
• Receiving less than expected
• Having to repay a credit based on a reassessment

If you have any of these issues, contact the CRA for help.

Don’t Forget About Scams!

Scams are, unfortunately, a big issue these days. Fraudsters may try to trick you with fake text messages or emails claiming to be about your Ontario Trillium Benefit. Always remember that the Government of Ontario will never ask for your personal information through texts or messages. If you get a suspicious message, don’t click on any links. Report it to the proper authorities to stay safe.

Maximize Your Ontario Trillium Benefit

The best way to make sure you get the most out of the Ontario Trillium Benefit is to file your tax return on time. Filing late could delay your payments, but you will still get them eventually. If you’re not sure if you qualify, you can use the CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate how much you could receive.

Knowing where you stand financially can help you plan better and make sure you’re getting every dollar you’re entitled to.

Take Action Now

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is designed to make life a little easier for Ontario residents by helping with energy costs, property taxes, and sales taxes. It’s important to file your taxes on time to make sure you don’t miss out on this financial help.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to contact the Canada Revenue Agency or visit their website for more information. Don’t wait—file your taxes and apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit today!