If you’re receiving child support and planning to buy a home, you might be wondering: Can I use this income to qualify for a mortgage? The answer is yes—with some important details. Both FHA and conventional loan programs (like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) allow child support income to be used, but there are clear documentation requirements you’ll need to meet.

Lenders want to see that the income is not only real and consistent, but also likely to continue. If you’re counting on child support as part of your qualifying income, getting all the paperwork in place early can make the mortgage process smoother and faster.

Let’s break down what you need to know, whether you’re applying for an FHA loan or a conventional one.

What Counts as Child Support Income?

Child support income must be received regularly and backed by formal documentation. That means it’s either court-ordered or agreed upon in writing (like in a divorce decree, legal separation agreement, or notarized contract).

Lenders won’t use child support income that’s casual or inconsistent. If it’s not being received, it doesn’t count—even if there’s a court order in place.

FHA Loan Requirements

FHA loans are popular because they’re flexible and easier to qualify for, especially for first-time homebuyers. If you’re applying for an FHA loan and want to use child support income, here’s what you’ll need:

1. A legal agreement showing the amount and frequency of the support. This could be a divorce decree, court order, or other written agreement.

2. Proof that you’ve received the income consistently for the past six months. This is usually verified with bank statements, deposit slips, canceled checks, or any document that clearly ties the payment to your account.

3. Verification that the income will continue for at least three years after your loan closes.

If any of these pieces are missing—like if the child support payments just started, or if they’re scheduled to stop in two years—then that income can’t be used to help you qualify.

Conventional Loan Requirements (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac)

Conventional loans follow very similar guidelines when it comes to child support income. Whether the lender runs your file through Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter (DU) or Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor (LPA), they’re going to be looking for three key things:

1. A formal legal obligation that proves how much and how often support is paid.

2. A six-month history of consistent receipt.

3. Proof that the income will continue for a minimum of three more years.

If the payments are voluntary (not court-ordered) but still documented and consistent, some conventional lenders will allow them—but it depends on the lender’s specific underwriting policies and whether the AUS (automated underwriting system) approves it.

Can Future Child Support Count?

Unfortunately, no. If the child support hasn’t started yet—like if you just filed for it or it begins in the future—you can’t use it. Lenders need to see that the income is currently being received and is stable.

What About Cash Payments?

If the child support is paid in cash and not deposited into a traceable bank account, that’s going to be a problem. Lenders require a clear paper trail. So if you’re receiving child support in cash, it’s important to start depositing it consistently into your bank account and keeping good records.

Tips to Help Your File

• Get a copy of your court order or legal agreement ahead of time.

• Save at least six months of bank statements showing the deposits.

• Make sure you can show that payments will continue for at least three more years.

• Work with a mortgage lender who understands how to use this type of income and structure your loan accordingly.

Bottom Line

Yes, you can absolutely use child support income to qualify for a mortgage—whether it’s FHA or conventional. But you need to be able to document it clearly and show that it’s stable and likely to continue. If you’re counting on child support to help you qualify, make sure you’re proactive about gathering the right paperwork early in the loan process.

Need help figuring out if your income qualifies or what steps to take next? Reach out anytime—I’m happy to walk you through it and help you build a strong home loan application that works for your unique situation.

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