Child Support and Alimony as Mortgage Income 2026: When It Counts and What Documentation Is Required

Child support and alimony (spousal support) can be used as qualifying income on a mortgage if the borrower can document that they have been receiving it consistently and that it will continue. The income does not need to be the primary source of income, but it must meet specific history and continuation tests to be counted at all.

History Requirement

The borrower must have been receiving the support payments for at least 6 months prior to the application date. Some lenders require 12 months. The payments must be consistent, meaning no missed payments or significant variations in amount during the history period. Document the history with bank statements or deposit records showing regular receipt.

Continuation Requirement

The income must be expected to continue for at least 3 years from the date of application. The court order or divorce decree must show a termination date at least 3 years out, or no specified termination date. If child support is scheduled to end when the youngest child turns 18 and that is less than 3 years away, it cannot be counted as qualifying income.

Documentation Required

• ✦Divorce decree, separation agreement, or court order showing the amount and payment schedule
• ✦12 months of bank statements showing consistent receipt of the payment amounts
• ✦Evidence that payments are current: most recent payment confirmation
• ✦If paid through the state child support enforcement agency, a payment history printout from the agency

Alimony as a Liability Too

When a borrower is paying alimony or child support (not receiving it), that monthly obligation counts as a debt in DTI. The payment must be included in the liability section of the application. Do not confuse the two directions. For the paying borrower, support payments reduce qualifying DTI. For the receiving borrower, they can add to qualifying income if the history and continuation tests are met.