The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is one of the most important financial supports available to residents across the province. As the end of 2026 approaches and heating costs, rent, food prices, and holiday expenses rise, many Ontarians are actively checking whether the December 2026 Trillium Benefit will arrive earlier, later, or remain unchanged.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the December 2026 Trillium Benefit payment, including the confirmed deposit date, eligibility rules, payment calculation, and what changes may occur heading into 2027.
Whether you are a low-income worker, senior, student, renter, homeowner, or someone supporting a family, this article breaks down the program in clear, simple terms.
⭐ What Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)?
The OTB combines three major Ontario credits into one monthly payment:
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Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
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Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
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Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
These credits help Ontarians offset:
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Sales tax on essential goods
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Energy and heating costs
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Rent and property tax increases
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Homeowner energy expenses
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Higher costs in Northern Ontario
The OTB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the Ontario government.
⭐ Does the Trillium Benefit Pay in December 2026?
✔ Yes — the Trillium Benefit has a December 2026 payment.
Ontario pays OTB monthly, and the payment dates follow a consistent pattern.
The confirmed December 2026 OTB payment date is:
📅 December 10, 2026
This is the last OTB payment of the year.
⭐ Will the December 2026 Trillium Benefit Arrive Early?
✔ Possibly, depending on your bank.
Because the payment falls close to:
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Holiday payroll spikes
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Increased year-end banking volume
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Christmas and New Year closures
Some banks may post the deposit early, usually:
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Late evening of December 9
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Early morning of December 10
However:
❌ CRA does not send the payment early.
Any early arrival is due to bank processing times, not an early government release.
⭐ How Much Will You Receive in December 2026?
OTB amounts vary depending on the three credits that make up the benefit.
Here’s a breakdown of potential maximums for the 2025–2026 benefit year:
1. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
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Up to $360 per adult and child
2. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
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Up to $1,194 for non-seniors
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Up to $1,427 for seniors
3. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
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Up to $181 for singles
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Up to $281 for families
⭐ Total Possible OTB
Most Ontarians receive between $30–$110 per month, depending on:
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Income
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Rent paid
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Property tax paid
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Region of residence
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Marital status
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Number of dependents
Your December amount will match your usual monthly OTB payment unless CRA has reassessed your file.
⭐ Who Qualifies for the December 2026 Trillium Benefit?
Eligibility depends on the 2025 income tax return, because OTB payments from July 2026 to June 2027 are based on last year’s tax filing.
You qualify if you:
✔ Filed your 2025 tax return
✔ Are an Ontario resident
✔ Paid rent, property tax, or energy costs
✔ Have low-to-moderate income
✔ Are 18+ (or have a spouse/child)
The OTB covers a wide range of people, including:
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Tenants
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Homeowners
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Seniors
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Low-income families
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Disability recipients
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Northern Ontario residents
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Newcomers to Canada (after filing first full tax return)
⭐ How OTB Eligibility Is Calculated
OTB is calculated using multiple factors:
✔ Income
Lower-income individuals receive higher OTB.
✔ Rent or property tax paid
Renters often receive significant OEPTC amounts.
✔ Home heating costs
Includes natural gas, electricity, home heating oil, propane.
✔ Region
Northern Ontario residents qualify for NOEC.
✔ Family size
Larger households may receive higher OSTC amounts.
✔ Marital status
Combined family income determines benefits.
CRA automatically calculates the amount—you do not need to apply separately.
⭐ How Will the December 2026 Payment Appear in Your Bank?
Deposits usually show as:
“Ontario Trillium Benefit”
or
“ONTARIO PROV INC BENEFIT”
Direct deposit is the fastest method.
Paper cheques may be delayed due to:
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Weather
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Holiday mail volume
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Postal delivery backlogs
⭐ Why Some People Receive a Larger December OTB Amount
Some Ontarians may receive a higher-than-usual OTB in December due to:
✔ Tax reassessment
CRA updated your income, rent, or property tax details.
✔ Retroactive adjustment
If CRA processed documents late, they may add past months.
✔ Change in marital status
Marriage, divorce, or separation affects income eligibility.
✔ First-time recipients
New filers may receive a lump-sum catch-up payment.
✔ Direct deposit activation
If cheques were previously undelivered, CRA may reissue multiple months at once.
⭐ What Happens After December?
After the December 2026 payment:
❄ January 2027
No OTB payment (monthly cycle begins again in July).
🧾 February–April 2027
Tax filing season begins; you must file your 2026 taxes to continue receiving OTB.
🌞 July 2027
New OTB benefit year begins with updated amounts based on your 2026 tax return.
⭐ Common Questions About December OTB Payment Timing
Why does OTB arrive on the 10th every month?
Ontario uses a consistent monthly cycle to help with budgeting.
Does OTB ever arrive on weekends?
No. If the 10th is a weekend/holiday, the payment shifts to the next business day.
Will CRA issue a Christmas bonus?
No. OTB does not include holiday bonuses.
⭐ Do You Need to Apply for OTB?
✔ No — it’s automatic.
All you need to do is:
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File your 2025 taxes
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Confirm you are an Ontario resident
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Report rent/property tax amounts
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Keep CRA information updated
⭐ How to Avoid Delays in December 2026
To ensure your payment arrives on time:
✔ Update your direct deposit info before December
✔ File any outstanding tax returns
✔ Make sure CRA has your correct address
✔ Ensure rent/property tax amounts are accurate
✔ Respond quickly to CRA verification letters
⭐ Final Summary — Trillium Benefit December 2026
Here’s a quick overview:
✔ Payment Date: December 10, 2026
✔ Automatic deposit via CRA
✔ Amount varies ($30–$110 monthly for most people)
✔ Eligibility based on 2025 tax return
✔ Includes OEPTC, OSTC, and NOEC combined
✔ Northern Ontario residents receive additional support
✔ Some may receive early deposits depending on their bank
✔ No application required — CRA calculates automatically
This December payment offers essential support during one of the most expensive times of the year.
Meta Title
Trillium Benefit December 2026: Ontario Year-End Payment Guide
Meta Description
Ontario’s December 2026 Trillium Benefit arrives on December 10. Learn who qualifies, payment amounts, eligibility rules, and how CRA calculates year-end OTB deposits.
FAQs — Trillium Benefit December 2026
1. When is the December 2026 Trillium Benefit payment?
The payment arrives on December 10, 2026.
2. Can the December payment come early?
Yes. Some banks may release deposits on December 9 due to early processing.
3. How much will I receive?
Most receive $30–$110, depending on income, rent, property tax, and family size.
4. Do I have to apply for the OTB?
No. It is automatically calculated through your tax return.
5. Does OTB affect other benefits?
No. OTB does not reduce any other provincial or federal benefits.
