Can child support and Centrelink benefits help you get a home loan?

As a single parent or someone receiving child support, you may wonder: “Can I use this income to qualify for a home loan?” The good news is, yes, some lenders accept child support, spousal maintenance, and Centrelink benefits as income, helping you buy or refinance a home.

However, not all banks consider these income sources, and the ones that do often have specific criteria. In this guide, we’ll explain which lenders accept child support, what documents you need, and how to improve your borrowing power.

Do lenders accept child support as income?

Yes, many lenders consider child support payments when assessing your loan application. However, they typically require:

• A formal agreement (court order or Child Support Agency agreement).

• Consistent payments for at least 6 months.

• Payments that continue until the children reach at least 13-16 years old (varies by lender).

• A lender-approved payment method (bank transfers or direct deposits).

Example: If you receive $2,000/month in child support via direct deposit and have proof of consistent payments, a lender may count 50-100% of that amount as income.

Can Centrelink benefits be used for a home loan?

Some Centrelink payments can count as income, but each lender has different policies. The most commonly accepted benefits include:

• Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A & B

• Single Parenting Payment

• Carer’s Allowance

• Disability Support Pension (case-by-case)

What’s not usually accepted.

• JobSeeker (formerly Newstart)

• Austudy or Youth Allowance

• Temporary benefits

Example: Some lenders accept 100% of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) if you provide a Centrelink Income Statement showing regular payments.

How to prove your income to the bank.

When applying for a loan using child support or Centrelink benefits, you’ll need:

• Child Support Agreement (court order or CSA assessment).

• Bank statements (showing regular payments for at least 6 months).

• Centrelink Income Statement (download from your MyGov account).

• Payslips (if you also have employment income).

How to boost your borrowing power as a single parent.

If your income is lower due to being a single parent, here are some ways to increase your borrowing capacity:

• Reduce existing debts – Pay off credit cards and personal loans.

• Increase your deposit – A larger deposit can improve loan approval chances.

• Add a co-borrower or guarantor – A family member can help strengthen your application.

• Improve your credit score – Ensure bills and debts are paid on time.

Some lenders allow lower deposit home loans (as little as 2%) under the Family Home Guarantee for single parents.

Which banks accept child support & Centrelink income?

Not all banks accept child support and Centrelink benefits, but some lenders do. As mortgage brokers, we work with lenders who are more flexible for single parents.

Want to know which lenders accept your income? Contact us for a confidential chat.