Healthcare and care workers keep Australia running, often on rotating shifts, weekend penalty rates and a mix of permanent and casual work. That pay structure can be confusing for lenders. With the right lender, though, your full income can count.
Income types and how lenders treat them
Base pay
Usually counted at 100%.
Shift penalties and allowances
Many lenders count regular shift penalties, especially if they appear on every payslip. Some count them at 100%; others shade them to 80%.
Overtime
Often counted if it's regular, sometimes needing 6 to 12 months of history. Some lenders accept overtime as "essential services" income at a higher rate for healthcare workers.
Casual hours
Lenders vary. Some want 6 to 12 months in the role; others accept 3 months if you've worked in the industry longer. Year-to-date income is often used.
Multiple jobs
Many care workers have two employers. Lenders can count both, usually with payslips and a history from each.
Documents to prepare
- Recent payslips from all employers, showing year-to-date income
- Last year's income statement or tax return
- Employment contracts
- Evidence of regular overtime or penalties
LMI waivers and discounts
Some lenders offer reduced LMI or LMI waivers for certain health professionals. Policies change and often focus on doctors and specialists, but some extend to nurses and midwives at certain LVRs. Ask us what's currently available.
Government schemes
Care workers can use:
- 5% Deposit Scheme: no income cap
- Help to Buy: income cap $100,000 single, $160,000 couple, which many nurses and care workers fall within
- NSW stamp duty exemption up to $800,000 for first home buyers
Example
Tara is a registered nurse earning $92,000 base, plus about $14,000 a year in shift penalties and $8,000 in overtime.
- A strict lender might count only her base: $92,000
- A flexible lender might count base, penalties and overtime: up to $114,000
That difference could add over $100,000 to her borrowing power.
Tips
- Keep payslips showing consistent penalties and overtime.
- Avoid changing employers right before applying.
- Use a broker who knows lenders' policies on shift work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use casual income from a second job?
Often yes, with a consistent history.
Do lenders count salary packaging?
Many do. Salary packaging common in health and not-for-profit roles can be added back, as the packaged amount is tax-free.
Are agency nurses treated as casual?
Usually, though some lenders treat long-term agency contracts more favourably.
Working in health or care? Call Finfident on 0424 545 654. We'll make sure all your income counts.
This article is general information only and doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Figures, rates and scheme rules are current as at October 2026 and can change. Finfident Finance Brokers (ABN 94 679 280 801) is Credit Representative 569374 of Outsource Financial Pty Ltd (ACN 131 090 705), Australian Credit Licence 384324.