Ontario Trillium Benefit – Who Gets Paid on January 9, 2026 and How to Maximize Your OTB

Ontario households receiving the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) are due to receive their first monthly 2026 payment on Friday, January 9, 2026, according to the CRA’s official benefits calendar.

This tax-free monthly support combines three separate credits into one easy deposit—but many eligible people still miss out due to simple filing mistakes, outdated CRA info, or not realizing they qualify in the first place.

Let’s break down what OTB is, who qualifies, how much you could get, all the 2026 payment dates, and how to ensure you don’t miss a cent.

Overview

The Ontario Trillium Benefit combines three cost-relief credits into one payment:

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
• Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)

You don’t need to qualify for all three. Even one is enough to receive monthly OTB support. The CRA calculates your eligibility based on your tax return and the ON-BEN form, then divides your total entitlement into 12 monthly payments, or one lump sum if you choose.

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Payments

The CRA pays OTB on the 10th of every month, or the business day before if the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday. That’s why the January 2026 OTB payment will be issued on Friday, January 9.

Here are all the OTB payment dates for 2026:

Direct deposits usually arrive the same day, while cheques can take a few days to arrive.

Amounts

So how much could you get? It depends on your:

• Family net income
• Marital status
• Age
• Number of children
• Rent or property tax paid
• Region (Northern Ontario gets extra through NOEC)

Using 2024 tax return data (for the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year), a family of 4 could receive:

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That works out to about $230/month without NOEC or $254/month with NOEC. If one spouse is 65+, monthly amounts can be even higher.

Eligibility

You may qualify for OTB if:

• You lived in Ontario on December 31 of the tax year
• You filed your 2024 tax return
• You or someone on your behalf paid rent, property tax, or energy costs

Each credit has slightly different rules:

• OSTC is automatic (based on tax return)
• OEPTC and NOEC require you to complete Form ON-BEN

Even if you had little or no income, you must file your return to receive OTB.

Lump Sum

Most people get OTB monthly. But if:

• Your annual entitlement is $360 or less, the CRA pays it all in July
• You choose to delay, your full OTB is paid as one lump sum in June

To choose the delayed option, tick box 61060 on Form ON-BEN. This choice is best for households who prefer a big payout instead of monthly support.

Tips

1) File early

Don’t wait until April. Filing early gets your OTB payments going on time for the new benefit year starting July 2026.

2) Use direct deposit

It’s faster and safer than a cheque—especially during mail delays.

3) Complete ON-BEN correctly

Especially for renters, students, or Northern Ontario residents. Make sure rent paid and other costs are accurate.

4) Know your thresholds

Income affects how much you get. Here are key 2024 thresholds:

If your income jumped in 2025, your payments may adjust in July 2026.

5) Watch for offsets

If you owe the CRA money, they may use your OTB payment toward the debt.

Common Reasons for Missed Payments

• CRA doesn’t have your current address
• You didn’t set up direct deposit
• You missed ON-BEN on your return
• Your spouse filed late, delaying OSTC
• You moved into Ontario after Dec 31

If your payment doesn’t arrive on January 9, 2026, check your CRA My Account or call for clarification.

FAQs