Ontario residents receiving support through the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) in 2025 should be aware of their monthly payment schedule, benefit amounts, and circulating rumours about extra federal payments, including a possible $500 in August and another GST top-up. Here’s what you need to know.
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What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is a monthly payment that combines three credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
These benefits are designed to help low- to moderate-income individuals and families with energy costs, sales tax relief, and property tax support.
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How Much is the Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2025?
The exact amount you receive from the OTB in 2025 depends on your:
- Net income from your 2024 tax return
- Rent or property tax paid in Ontario
- Age and family situation
- Region of residence (especially for Northern Ontario residents)
As of 2025, maximum amounts remain close to:
- Up to $1,194/year for non-seniors under the OEPTC
- Up to $1,360/year for seniors under the OEPTC
- Up to $172/year for the NOEC
- Up to $345/year for the OSTC per adult
This means a qualifying senior in Ontario could receive up to $1,877 annually, paid out monthly.
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Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Dates 2025
If you qualify, your payments are made on the 10th of each month, unless the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday (in which case it’s deposited the previous business day). The OTB payment dates for 2025 are:
- January 10, 2025
- February 10, 2025
- March 10, 2025
- April 10, 2025
- May 9, 2025 (adjusted)
- June 10, 2025
- July 10, 2025
- August 8, 2025 (adjusted)
- September 10, 2025
- October 10, 2025
- November 10, 2025
- December 10, 2025
Payments are sent by direct deposit or cheque, based on your preference with the CRA.
What is the maximum income to qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The Ontario Trillium Benefit is income-tested and gradually phases out once your adjusted family net income reaches certain thresholds. For example:
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) begins to reduce at $28,506 for single individuals and $35,632 for couples
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) and Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) start to decrease likewise—OEPTC at $28,506 (single) / $35,632 (couple), and NOEC phases out above $49,885 (single) / $64,138 (family)
Will There Be an Extra GST Payment in 2025?
As of now, no extra GST/HST Credit payment has been announced for 2025. While previous years included a one-time Grocery Rebate, such as in 2023, the federal government has not confirmed any additional GST top-up for fall 2025.
The regular GST Credit payment dates in 2025 are:
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
Any new one-time payment would likely be announced in a federal budget or economic update.
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Will Canadians Get an Extra $500 in August?
There is no confirmed $500 federal payment for Canadians in August 2025.
Social media has circulated rumours of a one-time $500 payment, but the Government of Canada has not verified such a benefit. While the federal government has issued targeted support payments in the past (e.g., Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, Grocery Rebate), no similar initiative has been announced for August 2025 as of now.
Always verify such claims through official government updates and your CRA account.
What is the new $1,200 benefit in Canada?
This refers to a one-time grant payment issued to low-income seniors on the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Allowance. The government compensated seniors whose GIS was reduced due to receiving pandemic benefits in 2020. The grant amount equals the annual loss in GIS caused by those benefits—e.g., a $100 monthly reduction resulted in a $1,200 one-time payment
Summary
- The Ontario Trillium Benefit pays monthly, with the next payment on August 8, 2025.
- Eligible recipients could receive up to $1,877 annually, depending on income, age, and housing costs.
- No extra GST or $500 federal payment has been confirmed for August 2025.
- The regular GST Credit and Trillium payments continue as scheduled for eligible Canadians.
To receive OTB and other CRA benefits, make sure your 2024 tax return is filed, and your banking and address info are current with the CRA.