Home Loans for Aged Care and Disability Support Workers
You look after people for a living. Now it’s time a lender looked after you.
If you work extra shifts in aged care or disability support, that overtime can now count in full towards your home loan with a leading major bank. That could mean a bigger budget for your first home, or an easier path to an investment property.
Book a free chat or call us on 02 7904 9560.
Your Overtime Now Counts in Full
Most lenders only count part of your overtime. Usually it’s around 80%. They do this because overtime can go up and down.
A leading major bank has now added frontline aged care and disability care workers to its list of essential services. That means 100% of your regular overtime can be counted when it works out how much you can borrow.
It’s the same treatment police, firefighters and hospital staff have had for years. And it’s a real change for a workforce that leans heavily on extra shifts.
What This Could Mean for You
Here’s a simple example. Sam is a personal care worker in Western Sydney.
| Most lenders | A leading major bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $68,000 | $68,000 |
| Regular overtime earned | $16,000 | $16,000 |
| Overtime the lender counts | $12,800 (80%) | $16,000 (100%) |
| Total income the lender uses | $80,800 | $84,000 |
That’s $3,200 more income on paper, from the exact same payslips. When you’re close to the edge on how much you can borrow, that can be the difference between a yes and a no.
This is an example only. Your borrowing power depends on your full situation, including debts, living costs and the lender’s rules at the time.
Who This Applies To
The change covers frontline aged care and disability care workers. That generally includes:
- Personal care workers and personal care assistants (PCWs and PCAs)
- Assistants in nursing (AINs)
- Enrolled and registered nurses working in aged care
- Disability support workers, including NDIS support workers
- Home care and community care workers providing hands-on care
It doesn’t cover general support roles, such as cooks, cleaners and office or admin staff. If you’re not sure where your role fits, give us a call. We’ll check it with the lender before you apply.
What You’ll Need to Show
The lender needs to see that your overtime is regular and ongoing, not a one-off. Usually that means:
- Two recent computer-generated payslips. The latest should be less than 60 days old.
- Year-to-date earnings on your payslip covering at least three months. If you’re casual, it’s usually six months.
- If your year-to-date figure is too short, your last tax return or ATO income statement can fill the gap.
- At least six months in your current job, or in the same type of work before that.
If you’ve just changed employers, don’t worry. Time in the same industry can still count.
Other Ways Some Lenders Help Care Workers
Overtime isn’t the only thing that can work in your favour. Depending on the lender:
- Second jobs: Many care workers pick up shifts with a second provider. Some lenders usually want a second job held for 12 months. A few will accept it straight away if both jobs are in healthcare or aged and disability care.
- Salary packaging: If you work for a not-for-profit provider and salary package, some lenders can count those tax-free benefits as income.
- Shift and penalty allowances: These can often be counted in full when they’re a normal part of your job.
- Casual work: Plenty of lenders accept casual income after six months in the role.
Every lender treats these differently. That’s why the right lender matters as much as the right rate.
Why Work With Awesome Lending Solutions
Banks don’t advertise these changes to the public. They tell brokers. We work with a panel of 60+ lenders and keep up with policy changes like this one, so you don’t have to.
- We match your income type to the lender that counts it best
- We check your role fits the policy before you apply, so you avoid an unnecessary credit enquiry
- We handle the paperwork around your shifts and roster
- We’ve helped settle more than 1,000 home loans since 2002
We also understand shift work. We’re happy to chat early, late or on the weekend around your roster.
Frequently Asked Questions by Aged Care and Disability Workers
Can I use overtime to get a home loan?
Yes. Most lenders count some of your overtime if it’s regular. A leading major bank now counts 100% for frontline aged care and disability care workers.
I’m a casual aged care worker. Can I still get a home loan?
Yes, many lenders accept casual income. You’ll usually need six months in your current role or in the same type of work. Your overtime and penalty rates can count too.
Does this apply to NDIS support workers?
It generally applies to frontline disability care workers, which includes most NDIS support workers providing hands-on care. We’ll confirm your role with the lender before you apply.
I work for two aged care providers. Will both jobs count?
Often, yes. Some lenders want a second job held for 12 months. Others accept it sooner when both jobs are in care work.
How much deposit do I need?
You may be able to buy with as little as 5% through the Home Guarantee Scheme, with no lenders mortgage insurance. Some lenders also accept 5% deposits for owner-occupiers.
Can I use my overtime to buy an investment property?
Yes. Overtime counts the same way whether you’re buying a home or an investment. Rental income from the property can also help.
Find Out What Your Overtime Is Really Worth
Book a free, no-obligation chat. We’ll look at your payslips, work out which lenders count your income best, and show you what you could borrow.
Book a free chat or call us on 02 7904 9560.
Awesome Lending Solutions. Albert Waldron is a Credit Representative (407514) of Australian Finance Group Ltd, Australian Credit Licence 389087. This page is general information only and does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Lender policies change and are subject to credit approval, terms and conditions, fees and charges. Eligibility depends on your full circumstances.