Last updated: July 2026 · Reviewed by John Pierre Saliba, Director and Mortgage Broker, MFAA Accredited
Using Child Support as Income for a Home Loan
Child support and maintenance payments can be included as income in a home loan application, but the rules vary significantly between lenders. Some lenders include 100% of regular child support; others use only 80% or exclude it entirely. Knowing which lender to use makes the difference between being approved and being turned down.
Child support income is often the difference between a single parent being able to service a loan and not. The key is documentation and consistency. Lenders want to see that the payments are reliable, CSA-administered payments with a track record are stronger evidence than informal arrangements. I always identify lenders who treat child support income most favourably before we lodge an application.
Which Lenders Include Child Support Income?
Most lenders will include child support as income, subject to conditions. Key variables:
- CSA-administered vs private agreement: CSA (Services Australia) payments are treated more favourably, they're enforceable and documented. Private agreements are accepted by some lenders with a statutory declaration or formal agreement
- Consistency of payments: Most lenders require 3–6 months of consistent receipt before including the income
- Percentage included: 80–100% depending on the lender. Some shade to account for potential cessation when children reach 18
- Remaining duration: Some lenders consider how many years remain before child support ceases, if children are close to 18, some lenders discount or exclude the income
Documentation Required
- CSA assessment notice showing the payment amount and assessment period
- Last 3–6 months of bank statements showing consistent receipt of payments
- If private agreement: signed written agreement and statutory declaration
- Confirmation of the ages of children (to assess remaining duration)
Worked Example: Single Parent Using Child Support
- Employment income: $72,000 p.a.
- Child support received: $1,400/month ($16,800/year)
- Lender A (80% of child support): Assessed income = $72,000 + $13,440 = $85,440
- Lender B (100% of child support): Assessed income = $72,000 + $16,800 = $88,800
- Difference in borrowing capacity: ~$20,000–$30,000
- Purchase price: $720,000 | Deposit: $72,000 (10%)
- Outcome: Approved with lender who counts 100% of CSA income
Child Support as a Liability
If you are the payer of child support rather than the recipient, lenders treat it as a recurring liability, reducing your borrowing capacity. Most lenders include child support payments in your monthly commitments and assess serviceability with this expense deducted from income. Some lenders are more conservative than others in how they assess child support obligations. We identify lenders who treat payer obligations most reasonably.
Family Tax Benefit and Centrelink Payments
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and Part B can also be included as income by many lenders, subject to the ages of the children and expected continuation of payments. Combined with child support, these government payments can significantly increase a single parent's assessed income and borrowing capacity.
