September brings new student-funding rules, disability payment and U.S. tariffs

Several federal changes take effect in September, including a higher financial threshold for international students, a one-time payment for some Canada Disability Benefit recipients and new counter-tariffs on selected U.S. goods.

Beginning Sept. 1, 2026, international students must show $23,448 per applicant to cover living costs, tuition and travel in Canada. The required amount had been $22,895 per applicant since September 2025.

Eligible people receiving monthly Canada Disability Benefit payments may receive a one-time $150 supplement in September. The payment is intended to help cover costs associated with applying for the Disability Tax Credit, including medical certification and transportation. Recipients whose benefits are $20 or less, as well as those paid in a lump sum for an entire payment period, are also eligible.

On Sept. 8, Canada plans to apply counter-tariffs of 15, 25 and 50 per cent to $27.6 billion in U.S. imports, matching U.S. tariff measures. The affected goods include steel, dairy products, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics, and some prices could rise.

The federal government is also rolling out $7.5 billion in new and enhanced trade-war supports for Canadian workers and businesses. That includes aid for small and medium-sized businesses and $3.5 billion for workers through expanded EI flexibility, workplace training and support for employers seeking to retain staff.