September brings disability benefits top-up, new student funding rules, and Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods
Three major federal changes take effect this month: a $150 supplement for disability recipients, higher financial thresholds for international students, and retaliatory tariffs hitting U.S. imports.
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September 1 marks the start of three major policy shifts across Canada that will affect residents financially — from disability support to education to household goods prices.
Canadians who receive monthly Canada Disability Benefit payments are eligible for a one-time supplemental payment of $150, set to go out next month. The supplement is intended to help cover expenses related to applying for a Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which is required to receive disability benefits in the first place. While some medical practitioners provide the certification free, others charge $125 to $150, plus transportation costs. Canadians who receive benefits of $20 or less and those who receive their benefit as a lump-sum payment for an entire payment period are also eligible.
Starting September 1, international students looking to study in Canada will need to demonstrate higher financial resources. The government has increased the required financial threshold from $22,895 per applicant to $23,448 per applicant, meant to ensure students can cover tuition, living costs, and travel. This annual adjustment reflects the rising cost of living across Canada.
On September 8, Canada will impose retaliatory counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports, with rates of 15 per cent, 25 per cent, and 50 per cent depending on the product category. The tariffs target steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics, and electronics — meaning Canadian consumers and businesses could see price increases on a range of goods.
To cushion the impact on workers and businesses hit by the trade conflict, the federal government is rolling out a $7.5-billion support package that includes funding for small and medium-sized businesses, direct support for companies affected by tariffs, and $3.5 billion to help workers through expanded employment insurance flexibilities, workplace training programs, and employer retention support.
By the numbers
How much is the disability benefits supplement in September 2026?
$150 is going out as a one-time supplemental payment to Canadians who receive monthly Canada Disability Benefit payments, intended to help cover expenses related to applying for a Disability Tax Credit.
What's the new financial threshold for international students starting September 1, 2026?
International students looking to study in Canada must now demonstrate $23,448 per applicant in financial resources, up from $22,895, to ensure they can cover tuition, living costs, and travel.
What tariff rates will Canada impose on U.S. imports starting September 8, 2026?
Canada will impose retaliatory counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports at rates of 15 per cent, 25 per cent, and 50 per cent depending on the product category, covering steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics, and electronics.
How much is the federal support package for workers and businesses affected by tariffs?
The federal government is providing $7.5 billion in support, including $3.5 billion for workers through expanded employment insurance flexibilities, workplace training programs, and employer retention support, plus funding for small and medium-sized businesses affected by tariffs.
