Can I Get a Home Loan While on Centrelink in Australia? (2026)
Whether Centrelink payments affect your ability to get a home loan depends on which payment you receive, whether it is permanent or temporary, and whether it supplements or replaces employment income. Some Centrelink payments are accepted as income by many lenders; others are not.
Centrelink Payments — How Lenders Assess Them
Not all Centrelink payments are treated the same way by home loan lenders:
| Centrelink payment | Lender acceptance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | Generally accepted | Stable, ongoing government income; widely accepted |
| Disability Support Pension (DSP) | Generally accepted | Ongoing; accepted by most lenders |
| Carer Payment | Generally accepted | Ongoing; accepted by most lenders |
| Family Tax Benefit (Part A and B) | Accepted by many lenders | Often accepted as supplementary income; usually requires at least 2 years remaining eligibility |
| Child Support | Accepted by some lenders | Requires documentation; some lenders discount or exclude |
| JobSeeker Payment | Rarely accepted | Temporary income — most lenders will not use this as qualifying income |
| Youth Allowance | Rarely accepted | Student income; temporary |
| Parental Leave Pay | Context-dependent | Accepted if returning to work; see maternity leave guide |
| NDIS | Case-by-case | Specific supports are not income; any NDIS-related employment income assessed normally |
Age Pension — The Most Accepted Centrelink Income
For retired Australians receiving the Age Pension, most lenders accept this as qualifying income. The Age Pension provides:
- Single person: up to approximately $27,900/year (FY2024–25; increases twice yearly with CPI)
- Couple combined: up to approximately $42,000/year
While significant, this income alone may not support a large loan. It works best when combined with:
- Other investment income
- Super pension income
- Rental income from existing property
Disability Support Pension — Ongoing and Accepted
The DSP is treated similarly to Age Pension by most lenders — it is an ongoing, non-means-tested payment unlikely to be withdrawn. Combined with employment income (if applicable — some DSP recipients also work within activity-tested limits), borrowing capacity increases.
Family Tax Benefit — Supplementary Income
FTB A and FTB B are accepted by many mainstream lenders as supplementary income — meaning they are added to your employment income in the serviceability calculation. Key requirements:
- The benefit must be ongoing (children young enough that eligibility is expected to continue for 2+ years)
- Documentation: most recent Centrelink income statement or letter confirming payment amount
This can meaningfully increase borrowing capacity for families.
JobSeeker — Generally Not Accepted
JobSeeker is a temporary payment designed to support people between jobs. Most lenders do not count it as qualifying income because:
- It is intended to be temporary
- The payment rate is below standard employment income
- Employment stability is a prerequisite for most lending
The exception: If you receive JobSeeker as a secondary income source while also employed, lenders may focus on your employment income and ignore the JobSeeker supplement.
How to Improve Your Position
Combine with employment income: If you receive Centrelink alongside part-time or casual employment, the employment income is the primary basis. The Centrelink supplement adds to it.
Larger deposit: A larger deposit reduces the loan required, making serviceability more achievable on lower income.
Speak with a broker: Broker knowledge of which lenders accept specific Centrelink payments is valuable. Not all lenders are the same — some are significantly more flexible with government income sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
I receive the Disability Support Pension and work part-time. Can I get a home loan?
Yes — this is a common situation and many lenders are accommodating. Your employment income is assessed, and the DSP adds to it. Combined, this may be sufficient depending on the loan amount. Get a broker to run the numbers across multiple lenders.
My only income is JobSeeker. Can I get a home loan?
This is very difficult — most lenders do not accept JobSeeker as qualifying income because it is not a permanent income source. Once you return to employment, revisit the question.
I receive Family Tax Benefit and my partner works. Will FTB count?
Yes — FTB A and FTB B are accepted by many lenders as supplementary income. Combined with your partner’s employment income, this can increase your joint borrowing capacity. Document the FTB payments with a Centrelink statement.
Related Guides
- Can I Get a Home Loan on a Single Income?
- Can I Get a Mortgage If I’m Retired?
- Can I Get a Home Loan? — Eligibility Hub
This article provides general information about home loan eligibility for Centrelink recipients in Australia. Lender policies on Centrelink income vary significantly. Speak with a licensed mortgage broker for advice tailored to your income situation. Find one through MoneySmart.