If you’re a government employee — particularly in roles like nursing, policing, or emergency services — chances are overtime makes up a regular part of your income.
But when applying for car finance, many borrowers wonder:
“Will lenders count my overtime as income?”
The short answer is: sometimes — depending on how consistent it is and how it’s documented.
While your base salary is always considered, overtime can boost your borrowing capacity if it’s regular and clearly recorded on your payslips.
If you’re a government worker, this guide to car finance for public sector employees explains everything.
Let’s break down how lenders view overtime and what you can do to ensure it helps your application.
✅ When Overtime Is Considered
Most lenders will include overtime in your income calculation if:
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✅ You’ve earned it regularly over the past 3–6 months
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✅ It’s clearly listed on your payslips and matches your bank deposits
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✅ You work in a profession where overtime is normal (e.g. healthcare, policing, transport)
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✅ Your employer or payslip structure separates overtime from base pay
📌 Overtime can help increase your maximum loan amount or lower your loan-to-income ratio.
📊 Examples of Overtime-Heavy Roles (and How They’re Viewed)
| Profession | Overtime Frequency | Lender Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse (Public Health) | Very Regular | Often counted (especially night/weekend) |
| Police Officer | Regular + Penalty Rates | Often counted if consistent |
| Paramedic | Very Regular | Counted with documentation |
| Public Admin Officer | Infrequent | May not be counted |
| Teacher (Full-Time) | Rare | Usually excluded |
📌 If your role regularly includes paid overtime or shift penalties, be ready to provide proof over multiple months.
💡 Tips to Get Overtime Counted in Your Car Loan Application
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✅ Submit payslips from the past 3 months that clearly show overtime
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✅ Provide bank statements confirming the deposited amounts
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✅ Include an employment letter or HR statement confirming typical overtime frequency
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✅ Work with a broker familiar with public sector and shift-based income
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✅ Be ready to explain any fluctuations or gaps in hours worked
Lenders want to know that your overtime is reliable — not a one-off.
🤔 What If My Overtime Is Inconsistent?
If your overtime varies month to month, lenders may:
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Take a 6–12 month average
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Use only your base pay for calculations
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Ask for extra documents, like tax returns or YTD summaries
📌 Even if not counted in full, consistent overtime history can still strengthen your application and lower risk.
🔗 Get Your Application Structured Correctly
We connect public sector workers with brokers who know how to present overtime income properly, increasing your approval chances and potential loan amount.
👉 Explore your car finance options here
🚀 Final Thoughts
Yes — overtime can be counted when applying for a car loan, especially in government jobs where it's common and reliable. With the right documentation and broker support, your extra hours could help drive your approval further.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.
