Yes, a home loan is possible on some payments. Lenders generally accept ongoing government payments such as the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Family Tax Benefit and some veterans’ pensions, usually with a Centrelink income statement and alongside other income. Short-term payments such as JobSeeker are rarely counted, because they are meant to end.

Centrelink payments and home loans at a glance
Payment Usually counted?
Age Pension Often, with an exit plan for older borrowers
Disability Support Pension Often, as an ongoing payment
Carer Payment Sometimes, depending on how long care will continue
Family Tax Benefit Often, while the children are young enough
JobSeeker, Youth Allowance Rarely

Why do lenders accept some payments and not others?

Responsible lending means a lender must be satisfied you can repay over time. A payment designed to continue, such as a pension for a permanent condition, can support that. A payment designed to be temporary, such as an unemployment benefit, cannot. Lenders also look at how long a payment will last against the loan term, which is why Family Tax Benefit is often counted only while children stay under the qualifying ages.

Is the Disability Support Pension taxable?

The ATO lists the Disability Support Pension as tax free if you are under Age Pension age, and Carer Payment as tax free where both the carer and the person cared for are under Age Pension age. Some lenders gross up tax-free income, which can increase what you can borrow.

What do you need to show?

  • A Centrelink income statement, available through myGov.
  • Bank statements showing the payments.
  • Evidence of other income, such as part-time work.
  • For Carer Payment, how long care is expected to continue.

Can you borrow on government payments alone?

Usually only a modest amount, because pension rates are set to cover living costs. Most borrowers who rely on payments combine them with work income, a partner’s income, or a guarantor. Every $100 a month of income a lender counts adds roughly $12,400 to a borrowing limit at a 9% assessment rate, so a payment that is counted can still make a real difference.

What about single parents and older borrowers?

Single parents are covered in detail on the single parent home loans page, including the Family Home Guarantee with a 2% deposit. Older borrowers on the Age Pension are covered in home loans for retirees, including the exit plan lenders ask for. The Home Equity Access Scheme is a government option for pensioners who own their home.

What about home modifications?

If a home needs ramps, a wider bathroom or other changes, build the cost into your budget before you buy. Some modifications can be funded through the NDIS for eligible participants, while others become part of the purchase or a renovation loan. Lenders value the home as it is, so expensive modifications do not always lift the valuation by their cost. The renovation loans page explains how work after purchase is funded.

Can disability or carer income buy a home in Sydney?

With help, yes. A family guarantee can remove the deposit hurdle, a partner’s income can carry the larger part of the loan, and a smaller unit or a home outside the most expensive suburbs may fit. A broker can work out what is realistic before you look.

Questions people ask

Can I get a home loan on the Disability Support Pension?

Some lenders count it as ongoing income, especially with other income or a co-borrower. The amount you can borrow on the pension alone is limited.

Does JobSeeker count as income for a home loan?

Rarely, because it is a temporary payment.

Do lenders count Carer Payment?

Some do, depending on how long the caring role is likely to continue and your other income.

Can I buy a house on the Disability Support Pension?

Yes, some lenders will lend. The pension is ongoing, so it can count as income, but on its own it supports a small loan, so most buyers combine it with other income, a partner’s income or a guarantor.

Charles Touma finds the lenders that count your payments and works out what a loan would look like with family help. A free 30-minute call covers it. General information only, not credit or financial advice.

Sources: ATO, government payments and allowances; ASIC, Regulatory Guide 209, checked 18 October 2026.

General information only, not credit, legal or tax advice. Your situation is assessed properly before any recommendation. Government scheme details change; figures are current at the time of writing.