Picture a single Ontario resident with $32,000 of income and $18,000 of rent paid. The Ontario Trillium Benefit would pay about $924 a year. That is $259.88 from the sales tax credit and $663.94 from the energy and property tax credit, roughly $77 a month.
What the benefit combines
The Ontario Trillium Benefit bundles up to three credits into one payment: the Ontario sales tax credit, the Ontario energy and property tax credit and the Northern Ontario energy credit. You apply on your tax return with form ON-BEN, and the CRA pays it out.
Ontario sales tax credit
The credit is worth up to $378 for each adult and child in the family. It shrinks by 4% of income above $29,047 for a single person, or above $36,309 for a couple or single parent. A single person with $30,000 receives $339.88.
Energy and property tax credit
This one rests on your occupancy cost, which is 20% of rent plus property tax. The energy part reaches $290. On top comes a property tax part: 10% of the cost plus a fixed amount, with caps. The total then falls by 2% of income over $29,047 for a single person and $36,309 for families.
Seniors
Anyone aged 64 or older at the end of 2025 gets a bigger property tax part, and the top amount for seniors is $1,488. Married or common-law seniors face a higher threshold of $43,571. Tick the senior box in the calculator to apply these rules.
Northern Ontario energy credit
Residents of Northern Ontario can add up to $189 if single or $290 for a family. The credit falls by 1% of income above $50,833 for a single person and $65,356 for a family. Someone single with $60,000 receives $97.33.
How you are paid
Monthly payments from the CRA start July 10, 2026. A yearly total of $500 or less arrives as one lump sum. Amounts of $2 or less are not paid at all. When you file, you can choose to defer the payment to June 2027.
What is not included
Student residence rules, long-term care costs, homes on reserves and the senior homeowners property tax grant are all left out. Your real amount can differ a little, because the CRA works it out from your return.
An example for a couple with children
Take a married couple with two children and $50,000 of income. Their top sales tax credit is $1,512, which is $378 for each of four people. Income above $36,309 cuts it by 4%, or $547.64, leaving $964.36. Enter your own family to see it beside the energy and property tax credit.
Renters and owners
Renters count 20% of the rent they paid, and owners count their property tax. Both can claim. Paid rent to a family member? Keep receipts and records, since the CRA can ask for proof of the rent or the tax when it reviews your return.
Where to go next
The federal payment is in the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit calculator. Child benefits are in the Canada Child Benefit calculator. For deductions, open the tax deductions and credits calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Ontario Trillium Benefit include?
The sales tax credit, the energy and property tax credit and the Northern Ontario energy credit.
How much is the sales tax credit?
Up to $378 for each adult and child.
What is the maximum energy and property tax credit?
$1,307 for most people and $1,488 for seniors.
Who gets the Northern credit?
People who lived in Northern Ontario and paid housing or energy costs.
How is it paid?
Monthly from July 10, 2026, or once if it is $500 or less.
How do I apply?
Fill in form ON-BEN with your tax return.
Sources and updates
Last reviewed: . Full disclaimer. How we build calculators. Editorial policy.
Estimate only. This calculator gives general information for planning. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it is not affiliated with the City of Toronto, MPAC or the Canada Revenue Agency. Results depend on the numbers you enter and may differ from official amounts. Check official sources or a qualified professional before you decide.