Benefits Guide
Northern Ontario Energy Credit 2026: Who Qualifies and How Much You Get
Northern Ontario Energy Credit 2026: Who Qualifies and How Much You Get
If you live in Northern Ontario, you already know that energy costs are higher than in the south. Longer winters, more heating required, and often higher electricity rates mean a bigger chunk of your income goes to keeping the lights and heat on. The Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) is a provincial credit designed specifically to help with that — and it's delivered as part of your Ontario Trillium Benefit.
What Is the NOEC?
Calculate your OEPTC amount
Check your Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit eligibility.
Calculate My BenefitsThe Northern Ontario Energy Credit is one of the three components of the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB). It provides additional financial support to residents of Northern Ontario to offset higher energy costs. The NOEC is paid alongside the other two OTB components (Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit and Ontario Sales Tax Credit) as a single combined monthly payment. Ontario Trillium Benefit Eligibility 2026
Who Qualifies?
You may qualify if you meet all of the following:
- You lived in Northern Ontario on December 31 of the tax year
- You paid rent or property tax for your principal residence, or paid for home energy costs on a reserve
- You are at least 18 years old (or have a spouse/partner, or are a parent)
- You are a resident of Ontario
- You have filed your tax return with the ON-BEN form completed
What Counts as "Northern Ontario"?
Northern Ontario includes the following districts and areas:
- Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timiskaming
- Cities: Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, North Bay, Kenora
- If you're unsure, check your postal code or municipality against the Ontario government's list of Northern Ontario communities.
How Much Can You Receive?
Maximum Annual NOEC (2025 Tax Year, for 2026 Payments)
| Category | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Single person | $180 |
| Family (couple or single parent with children) | $277 |
Phase-Out
The NOEC phases out as income rises. The reduction threshold and rate are the same as the OEPTC:
- Phase-out begins at AFNI above ~$26,535 (singles) or ~$32,536 (families)
- Reduction rate: 2% of income above the threshold
- Example: A single person in Sudbury with $35,000 AFNI:
- Income above threshold: $35,000 – $26,535 = $8,465
- Reduction: 2% × $8,465 = $169
- NOEC: $180 – $169 = ~$11/year
- At income levels above about $35,500 (single) or $46,400 (family), the NOEC is fully phased out.
NOEC Payment Dates
The NOEC is paid as part of your OTB — monthly on the 10th. You don't receive it as a separate payment. Check the OTB payment dates table in our OTB guide. Ontario Trillium Benefit payment dates 2026
How to Claim
Complete the ON-BEN form when you file your tax return. Make sure to indicate that you lived in Northern Ontario. The CRA calculates the NOEC automatically based on your answers.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1 — Single Renter in Thunder Bay
Ryan is 30 and rents an apartment in Thunder Bay for $950/month. His 2025 net income was $28,000. NOEC: $180 max – (2% × ($28,000 – $26,535)) = $180 – $29 = ~$151/year (~$13/month) Plus OEPTC and OSTC Total OTB: ~$1,350/year (~$113/month)
Example 2 — Family in Timmins
Anne and Paul live in Timmins with one child. Combined AFNI: $38,000. They own their home. NOEC (family): $277 max – (2% × ($38,000 – $32,536)) = $277 – $109 = ~$168/year Plus OEPTC (senior/family rate) and OSTC Total OTB: ~$1,600/year (~$133/month)
What to Do Next
File your tax return with the ON-BEN form — indicate Northern Ontario residency. Use Benefit Check to see your full OTB estimate including the NOEC. Keep records of your rent or property tax paid — the CRA may request verification.
️ Northern Ontario resident?
See all your benefits — NOEC, OTB, GST/HST, CCB, and more. Free estimate in under 2 minutes.
FAQ
Can I receive the NOEC if I live in southern Ontario?+
No. The NOEC is exclusively for Northern Ontario residents. However, you can still receive the other two components of the OTB (OEPTC and OSTC).
I moved from Northern Ontario to Toronto mid-year. Do I still qualify?+
The NOEC is based on where you lived on December 31. If you were in Toronto on December 31, you don't qualify for the NOEC for that tax year.
Is the NOEC the same as the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit?+
No. The OEPTC is available to all Ontario residents who paid rent/property tax. The NOEC is an additional credit only for Northern Ontario residents, on top of the OEPTC.
