Many people combine part-time or casual work with a Centrelink payment. For lenders, that mixed income can work in your favour. The wages show employment, and the payment adds stability, if it's a type the lender accepts.
How lenders look at mixed income
- Wages: assessed like any employment income, averaged if hours vary
- Centrelink: ongoing payments such as Family Tax Benefit, Parenting Payment, Carer Payment or DSP are more likely to count. JobSeeker usually isn't counted.
- Rent Assistance: may or may not be counted, depending on the lender
- Changes: lenders may consider whether your payment will drop as your income rises
Renting
Rent is usually your largest expense and the biggest influence on how much you can borrow. On-time rent in your bank statements helps.
Documents
- Recent payslips
- A Centrelink income statement (myGov)
- Bank statements
- Lease or rental ledger
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General information only. This isn't financial advice. Finance the Ride is a referral service and doesn't hold an Australian Credit Licence. Last reviewed September 2026.