If you're a single parent buying a home, you may be able to use Centrelink payments to supplement your income.
Saving to buy a home is a difficult task for two people, especially when the couple has a dependent child. For single parents the task can be even more difficult.
Fortunately, a lender is interested in your capacity to repay the loan, not whether or not you are a single parent. If you have sufficient income and meet the lender's credit criteria, then there’s no reason why you can’t get a home loan. The question is how much you can borrow on a single income.
You will need to meet the usual home loan eligibility criteria. You will need a deposit, a history of savings and an income. As a single parent, though, you may have access to some alternative income sources that could help support your application.
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Using Centrelink payments as income
As a single parent, you may be eligible to receive the Parenting Payment from Centrelink, and most lenders will accept it as part of your income. In addition to this, you may be eligible for the Childcare Benefit, which is also an acceptable form of income.
The federal government also offers the Family Tax Benefit, depending on your income. Once again, most lenders will accept this as a form of income, depending on the age of your children.
If you're receiving child support payments from a former partner, these are also taken into account when assessing your income.
For a full list of the Centrelink benefits lenders accept as income, read our guide.
Tips for saving a deposit on a single income
Trying to put together a deposit for a home while raising a child on a single income can be difficult, especially as the costs of both are increasing. Take note of the following if you're looking for ways to save for a home and you're the provider for a dependent child.
- Government assistance. Single income parents may be eligible for the federal government’s Family Tax Benefit A & B, Parenting Payment and the Child Care Benefit. Government assistance can help cover the incidental day-to-day expenses and larger expenses like rent and child care, which can give you a little more room in the budget to save.
- How much do you earn? When it comes time to apply for your home loan, you will want to know how much you can borrow. A higher income means you can borrow more, and pre-approval will give you a ballpark figure. Once you’ve done a comparison of home loans, speak to the lender directly to find out whether parenting-related payments can be included on your home loan application.
- Budgeting. A budget is essential to any financial plan. List all the money you get, your income, and look at ways to cut down on the money going out. You can find out how to make a successful budget in our 12 Week Financial Fitness Challenge.
- Get a savings account. High-interest savings accounts are great if you’re saving for a goal, such as a mortgage deposit. Not only do the accounts let you earn interest, they also come with features to help you save. Automatic savings plans are a great way to save for a goal.
- Get the right home loan. Spend some time comparing home loans and find the loan that’s the right fit for you. The right loan charges less in fees and gives you the flexibility to change the features as your situation changes in the future. A comparison of fees versus features now will save you time and money later.
Find out how much you can borrow
Compare mortgage brokers
You may want to look into getting a mortgage broker to help you. Mortgage brokers have an intimate knowledge of which lenders to approach to obtain a home loan for a single parent. They'll know which lenders will accept government assistance as a source of income, and will help you work out how much you'll realistically be able to borrow to avoid being rejected for a loan. Best of all, mortgage brokers generally obtain a commission from the lender, so it's a free service to consumers.
You can compare brokers below and if you're interested, you can click "Inquire" to lodge an obligation-free enquiry.
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Hello,
I would like to buy a home. I am 48 years old, a perm p/t Qld gov employee (64 to 72 hrs / fn). I am a single parent of 2 children 13 & 16.
I am the sole provider. My average net income is $2100/ fortnight. Family tax $180/ ft. I do not have savings but do have a good credit history. I have currently have a personal loan owing $10,000. Could you tell me what options I have. If you think I would be eligible for a home loan who/ where to from here. Thanking you for your time.
Regards.
Hi Sue!
We know you’re doing your best to get qualified! :)
You can shoot an enquiry to your desired lenders of the choices below. They will have a broker to talk with you about the requirements.
All the best!
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Does a single parent qualify for a first home buyers grant?
Hi Lisa!
Thanks for the comment.
Being a single parent doesn’t disqualify you from applying for First Home Owners Grant. Take note that the eligibility may vary from state to state and some basic requirements are needed to be met.
You can check those details on this page.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
i am a single parent of a 2 1/2 yr old. I really want to buy my own first home of up to $100,000. its looking really good but i heard that you lose all of your rental assistance and family tax a altogether. i ring centrelink who dont pick up the phone – i leave messages and they dont answer so i just really want to know? does anyone know? thanks
Hi Jess,
Thanks for your question.
In regards to Rent assistance, you will not be eligible to receive this benefit if you own or are buying the home you live in, except relocatable homes. Other eligibility criteria apply.
For Family Tax Benefit, I’ve checked the Department of Human Services website and can’t seem to find a stipulation about the connection of this benefit to purchasing a home. You may have to directly call the Department of Human Services on 136 150 to enquire.
Cheers,
Anndy
thank you so much for that! ive just heard as well that after my child turns 8 i go onto newstart. im really concerned about meeting mortgage payments along with living expenses which i worked out to be about $490 pf.based on thats including mortgage payments of 192-223 pf.id like to know how much of newstart payments you receive when you child turns 8.if you know that it would be fantastic! thanks
Hi Jess,
Thanks for getting back.
Yes, one of the benefits that the Department of Human Services offers to single parents is the Newstart Allowance for single parents whose youngest child is 8 years old or over, subject to eligibility criteria. You can generally earn up to $104 every 2 weeks before the agency start reducing your Newstart payment. You may have to contact Centrelink on 132 850 to learn more about Newstart Allowance.
Cheers,
Anndy
After reading bits & pieces on the net I’m a bit confused.Something that i thought could be simple is turning out to be more complicated
than I thought
My question if anyone knows
My parents own their property but are not financial, I was wondering if I can pay for an extension onto their house for myself to live- would I be able to get a home loan through their equity to do so, as a personal loan would be to costly and not much better than paying outside rent?
We are based in Victoria, I think that effects the granny flat options and I was wondering what effect this would have if any on their pension
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
Your ability to borrow using your parent’s equity depends on whether or not your parents will go guarantor on the loan and/or whether it will be a joint application.
It’s advised that you speak to a licensed mortgage broker as they will help you understand your borrowing options and they can review your financial situation to find a home loan that’s right for you. A broker can also assist you with the paperwork and negotiate for better terms on your behalf.
All the best,
Belinda