Hey Hustlers! Let’s cut through the noise and talk real money versus fake news. While scammers are flooding social media with fake “Grocery Rebate 2024” applications, there’s actual cash waiting for eligible Ontario residents through the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
Here’s the deal: There is disinformation online and messages circulating that claim individuals can apply for a new Grocery Rebate. This is a scam. There is no new Grocery Rebate. Meanwhile, the Ontario Trillium Benefit is paying out real money monthly to qualified residents. Time to separate fact from fiction and show you where the real opportunities are.
📋 KEY TAKEAWAY BOX
✅ REAL MONEY: Ontario Trillium Benefit pays up to $1,839 annually to eligible residents through monthly payments starting July 2025
❌ FAKE NEWS: Canada Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment in July 2023 – any current “applications” are scams
💰 MAXIMUM AMOUNTS (2025 benefit year):
- Ontario Energy & Property Tax Credit: Up to $1,461 (if 65+)
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit: Up to $285
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit: Up to $371 per eligible family member
📅 NEXT PAYMENT DATE: July 10, 2025 (file your 2024 tax return by April 30, 2025)
🚨 SCAM ALERT: Never click links in texts claiming OTB refunds or grocery rebate applications
The Truth About Canada’s Grocery Rebate (It’s Over!)
Let’s start with the hard facts about the Canada Grocery Rebate that everyone’s asking about.
What Was the Grocery Rebate?
The Government of Canada introduced a one-time Grocery Rebate to provide financial support to eligible Canadians, as announced as part of Budget 2023. This Rebate was issued on July 5, 2023, alongside the July 2023 quarterly GST/HST credit payment.
Maximum Grocery Rebate Amounts (July 2023 – FINISHED)
| Family Status | Maximum Payment |
|---|---|
| Single (no children) | $234 |
| Single (with 1 child) | $387 |
| Single (with 2 children) | $467 |
| Married (no children) | $306 |
| Married (with 1 child) | $387 |
| Married (with 4+ children) | $628 |
Important: The Grocery Rebate was equivalent to double the GST/HST credit amount you received for January 2023. This was a one-time deal based on your 2021 tax return.
Why People Are Still Confused About Grocery Rebate
The confusion stems from scammers exploiting the program’s popularity. There is disinformation online and messages circulating that claim individuals can apply for a new Grocery Rebate. This is a scam. The official Canada Revenue Agency has made this crystal clear on their website.
If you’re seeing Facebook ads, text messages, or emails about “applying for the 2024 Grocery Rebate,” these are 100% scams designed to steal your personal information.
Ontario Trillium Benefit: The Real Money Opportunity
While fake grocery rebate scams circulate, Ontario residents have access to legitimate, ongoing monthly payments through the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB). This isn’t a one-time deal – it’s annual support that can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back in your pocket.
What Exactly Is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?
The OTB is the combined payment of the Ontario energy and property tax credit, the Northern Ontario energy credit, and the Ontario sales tax credit. Instead of three separate payments, the government streamlined everything into one monthly payment to make your life easier.
Three Credits Combined Into One Payment
The OTB combines these three distinct tax credits:
- Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) – Helps with property taxes and energy costs
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) – Additional support for Northern Ontario residents facing higher energy costs
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) – Helps offset sales tax you pay on purchases
You only have to be entitled to one of the credits to get an OTB payment.
2025 Ontario Trillium Benefit Payment Schedule
Here’s when you’ll receive your real money (not fake grocery rebate promises):
Monthly Payment Dates
Your 2025 NOEC payments will be issued as part of the OTB on the 10th of each month, starting in July 2025, unless the following exceptions apply: If the 10th of the month falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the OTB payment is issued on the last working day before the 10th.
| Month | 2025 Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | July 10, 2025 | First payment (must file 2024 tax return by April 30) |
| August 2025 | August 8, 2025* | *Friday (Aug 10 is Sunday) |
| September 2025 | September 10, 2025 | Regular schedule |
| October 2025 | October 10, 2025 | Regular schedule |
| November 2025 | November 7, 2025* | *Friday (Nov 10 is Monday holiday) |
| December 2025 | December 10, 2025 | Regular schedule |
| January 2026 | January 9, 2026* | *Friday (Jan 10 is Saturday) |
| February 2026 | February 10, 2026 | Regular schedule |
| March 2026 | March 10, 2026 | Regular schedule |
| April 2026 | April 10, 2026 | Regular schedule |
| May 2026 | May 8, 2026* | *Friday (May 10 is Sunday) |
| June 2026 | June 10, 2026 | Final payment for 2025 benefit year |
*Adjusted for weekends/holidays
Single Payment Option
If your annual 2025 OTB entitlement is more than $360, you can choose to wait to get your entitlement in one payment at the end of the benefit year, in June 2026, instead of receiving monthly payments from July 2025 to June 2026.
Maximum Ontario Trillium Benefit Amounts for 2025
Here’s where the real money is – and it’s significantly more than the old one-time grocery rebate:
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (Maximum Amounts)
You could get a maximum of: $1,283 if you are between 18 and 64 years old, $1,461 if you are 65 or older, $285 if you live on a reserve or in a public long-term care home
| Age/Situation | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Ages 18-64 | $1,283 |
| Age 65+ | $1,461 |
| Living on reserve | $285 |
| Public long-term care | $285 |
| College/university residence | $25 |
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (Maximum Amounts)
For residents in Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming districts:
If you’re single, you could receive a maximum of $185. Families could receive a maximum of $285.
| Family Status | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Single person | $185 |
| Families | $285 |
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (Maximum Amounts)
You can receive up to $371. You may receive an additional credit of up to $371 for: your spouse or common-law partner, and each dependent child who is under 19 years of age on the 1st of the payment month
| Family Member | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| You | $371 |
| Spouse/common-law partner | $371 |
| Each child under 19 | $371 |
Family of 4 Example: $371 × 4 = $1,484 annually just from the sales tax credit component!
Who Qualifies for Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025?
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2025 benefit year (July 2025 to June 2026), you need to meet these requirements:
To qualify, you must be a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2024, and at least one of the following at some time before June 1, 2026: 18 years of age or older, currently or previously married or in a common-law relationship, a parent who lives or previously lived with your child
What You Need to Have Done in 2024
You must have done at least one of the following during 2024:
You paid property tax for your main residence, you rented, and your landlord was required to pay property tax for your main residence, you lived on a reserve and paid for your home energy costs, you lived in a public long-term care home and paid an amount for your accommodation
Monthly Residency Requirement
Here’s a crucial detail many people miss: Your eligibility also depends on where you live on the 1ST of each month. For example, if you move out of Ontario on November 10, you would be eligible for the November OEPTC payment, but you wouldn’t be eligible for any subsequent payment.
How to Apply for Ontario Trillium Benefit 2025
Step 1: File Your 2024 Tax Return
To get the 2025 OTB, you must file your 2024 income tax and benefit return. This is mandatory even if you have no income to report.
Step 2: Complete Form ON-BEN
Each year, you must apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit by filing your personal Income Tax and Benefit Return and completing and enclosing the ON-BEN Application Form included in your tax return package.
Step 3: File by April 30, 2025
Filing your personal Income Tax and Benefit Return by April 30 means you’ll receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit payments on time. If you file late, you will still receive the benefit, but your payment(s) may be delayed.
Important Notes for Couples
In cases of families, while the OSTC component of the OTB is paid to the person whose return is assessed first, the OEPTC/NOEC is paid to the person that has applied for the credit(s) by completing Form ON‑BEN.
Red Flags: How to Spot OTB and Grocery Rebate Scams
As someone helping Canadians navigate government benefits, I see these scams constantly. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Common Text Message Scams
Beware of text messages and instant messages from accounts pretending to be the Government of Ontario. The Government of Ontario will not send texts asking you: For personal or business information, To receive a tax credit or benefit, To receive a tax refund, To make a payment
Sample Scam Message (DO NOT CLICK)
The official Ontario government website shows this example of a scam text:
“Your Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) refund notification Ref: 758/ON839749 You are entitled to receive the OTB in the amount of $258.00 (CAD). To receive your payment, click here [link to fraudulent website]”
Legitimate Communication Channels
Real government communication about your OTB will come through:
- Your CRA My Account portal
- Official mail to your registered address
- Phone calls from official CRA numbers (which you can verify by calling back through official channels)
Never click links in text messages claiming to be from the government.
Comparing Real vs Fake: Side-by-Side Analysis
| Factor | Ontario Trillium Benefit (REAL) | Grocery Rebate Claims (FAKE) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active monthly payments 2025 | Discontinued July 2023 |
| Application | File 2024 tax return + ON-BEN form | No legitimate application exists |
| Payment Schedule | Monthly (July 2025 – June 2026) | Was one-time only (July 5, 2023) |
| Maximum Amount | Up to $1,839+ annually | Was max $628 (one-time) |
| Eligibility | Ontario residents meeting criteria | N/A – program ended |
| Official Source | ontario.ca and canada.ca | Any current claims are scams |
| Communication | CRA My Account, official mail | Scam texts, fake websites |
Getting Set Up for Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is a convenient, safe and time-saving way to receive payments. You can request direct deposit online using the CRA My Account service or by completing the Canada direct deposit enrolment form.
Why set up direct deposit:
- Faster payments (no waiting for mail)
- Safer than cheques
- Automatic deposits on the 10th of each month
- Works during postal strikes or delays
To set up direct deposit, you’ll need:
- Your banking information (account number and transit number)
- Access to your CRA My Account online
- About 5 minutes to complete the setup
What to Do If You Haven’t Filed Your Tax Return
You must file your income tax return each year to continue to get the OTB, even if you don’t have any income to report.
Free Tax Preparation Help
If you’re unable to prepare your tax return yourself, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program may be able to help you.
Missed Previous Years?
Generally, you can only request a change to a return for a tax year ending in any of the 10 previous calendar years. If you missed applying for Ontario tax credits in previous years, you can still request adjustments through your CRA My Account.
Calculate Your Potential Ontario Trillium Benefit
The CRA provides an official calculator to estimate your benefit: To calculate how much you could get overall from the Ontario Trillium Benefit, use the CRA child and family benefits calculator.
Quick Estimation Guide
Your total OTB is the sum of what you qualify for from each component:
- Energy & Property Tax Credit: Based on age, income, family size, rent/property tax paid
- Northern Ontario Energy Credit: Fixed amounts if you live in eligible districts
- Sales Tax Credit: Based on family size and income
Example Calculation:
- Single person, age 30, Toronto, paying $1,200/month rent
- Estimated OEPTC: ~$400-800 (varies by income)
- NOEC: $0 (not in Northern Ontario)
- OSTC: ~$300-371 (varies by income)
- Total potential: $700-1,171 annually
Understanding Payment Timing and Amounts
When Your First Payment Arrives
If you qualify and your 2024 return is assessed by June 19, 2025, in most cases, your 2025 OTB will be issued on the 10th of each month, starting on July 10, 2025.
Late Filers
If you qualify and your 2024 return is assessed after June 19, 2025, in most cases, your first OTB payment will be issued within four to eight weeks after your return is assessed and on the 10th of each month thereafter.
Minimum Payment Rules
If your annual OTB entitlement is $2 or less, you will not get a payment. If your annual OTB entitlement is above $2 but less than $10, you will get one payment of $10.
Small Annual Amounts
If your 2025 OTB annual entitlement is $360 or less, it will be issued in one lump-sum payment in the first payment month (usually July).
Frequently Asked Questions About OTB vs Grocery Rebate
1. Is there a new Grocery Rebate I can apply for in 2025?
No. There is disinformation online and messages circulating that claim individuals can apply for a new Grocery Rebate. This is a scam. There is no new Grocery Rebate. The original Grocery Rebate was a one-time payment issued July 5, 2023.
2. How much can I get from the Ontario Trillium Benefit in 2025?
The maximum depends on your age, family size, location, and income. Maximum possible amounts are $1,461 (energy/property), $285 (Northern Ontario), and $371 per eligible family member (sales tax credit). A family could potentially receive over $1,800 annually.
3. Do I need to apply separately for each part of the OTB?
You do not need to apply for the 2025 OSTC component. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will use the information from your 2024 return to determine your eligibility and entitlement. You only need to complete Form ON-BEN for the energy/property tax credits.
4. What if I move between provinces during the benefit year?
Your eligibility also depends on where you live on the 1ST of each month. For example, if you move out of Ontario on November 10, you would be eligible for the November OEPTC payment, but you wouldn’t be eligible for any subsequent payment.
5. Can I get my OTB in one lump sum instead of monthly?
Yes, if your annual entitlement exceeds $360. You can choose to wait to get your entitlement in one payment at the end of the benefit year, in June 2026, instead of receiving monthly payments from July 2025 to June 2026.
6. I’m 18 and turning 19 this year. Do I qualify?
If you turn 18 before June 2026, you should apply and file your tax return to be considered for the Ontario Trillium Benefit. If you qualify, you will receive the next scheduled payment after you turn 18.
7. What happens if I owe money to CRA?
Your OTB payment will first be used to pay off any debt you owe to the Canada Revenue Agency or its external partners, including family support orders, that are in arrears. If any amount remains, it will be issued to you.
8. Are OTB payments taxable income?
No. The OTB is not taxable. This is tax-free money to help with living costs.
9. What if I forgot to apply for previous years?
Generally, you can only request a change to a return for a tax year ending in any of the 10 previous calendar years. You can request adjustments through your CRA My Account or by sending Form T1-ADJ to your tax centre.
10. How do I know if a text about OTB is legitimate?
The Government of Ontario will not send texts asking you: For personal or business information, To receive a tax credit or benefit, To receive a tax refund, To make a payment Any text claiming you need to click a link for OTB benefits is a scam.
Take Action: Your Next Steps
Immediate Actions (Before April 30, 2025)
- Gather your 2024 tax documents – T4s, receipts for rent/property tax, energy bills if you live on reserve
- File your 2024 tax return – Even if you have no income to report
- Complete Form ON-BEN – Include it with your tax return for energy and property tax credits
- Set up direct deposit – Through your CRA My Account for faster payments
- Mark your calendar – July 10, 2025 for your first potential payment
Long-Term Benefit Optimization
- Keep good records – Save rent receipts, property tax bills, energy costs
- File annually – You must file every year to continue receiving benefits
- Update your address – Notify CRA immediately if you move
- Check your entitlement – Use the CRA benefits calculator annually
- Stay informed – Follow official channels only (canada.ca, ontario.ca)
Protect Yourself from Scams
- Never click text message links claiming to be government benefits
- Verify through official channels – Log into your CRA My Account directly
- Report scams – Forward suspicious texts to the CRA fraud line
- Educate family and friends – Share this information to protect others
- Trust official sources only – canada.ca and ontario.ca domains
Conclusion: Real Money Beats Fake News Every Time
Here’s the bottom line, Hustlers: while scammers are making fake promises about non-existent grocery rebate applications, eligible Ontario residents are missing out on real money through the Ontario Trillium Benefit. We’re talking about up to $1,800+ annually in legitimate, government-backed support.
The Canada Grocery Rebate ended in July 2023 – that ship has sailed. But the Ontario Trillium Benefit is active right now, with monthly payments starting July 2025 for those who file their 2024 tax returns by April 30.
Stop chasing fake opportunities and focus on the real money that’s actually available. File your tax return, complete Form ON-BEN, and set yourself up for monthly payments that could significantly impact your budget.
Remember: if it requires clicking a link in a text message or sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Stick with official government sources and legitimate programs like the Ontario Trillium Benefit that are designed to help Canadian families thrive.
Ready to claim your real money? Start by gathering your 2024 tax documents and visit HustleHub.ca for more money-saving tips and government benefit updates that actually work.
This article contains information current as of September 2025. Always verify current benefit amounts and eligibility criteria through official government sources at canada.ca and ontario.ca.
