What is the minimum duration of continuance required for Child Support to qualify as income?

Child support payments can be considered as income for certain qualifying purposes, such as determining the ability to secure financing for a mortgage. The key factor in qualifying child support as income is the expectation of continuity in the payments.

For child support to be accepted as stable income, it generally needs to be documented as having been received consistently for a specified duration. The minimum duration of continuance often recognized in various guidelines is five years. This timeframe allows for a reasonable assessment of the likelihood that the payments will continue as expected, providing a level of assurance to lenders about the borrower's financial situation.

This understanding aligns with best practices in evaluating income sources for financial stability assessments, emphasizing the importance of consistency and reliability in income reporting. The five-year requirement ensures that fluctuations or temporary arrangements do not unduly influence lending decisions.