Can you get a home loan on Social Security?

Asked by: Hassie Rempel DDS  |  Last update: August 1, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (8 votes)

Yes, you can get a home loan using Social Security income, as lenders view it as stable income, but approval depends on your overall financial picture, including credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and other income sources, with smaller loans or larger down payments often needed for lower benefit amounts. Federal laws prohibit discrimination against age or receipt of public assistance like Social Security, but lenders must verify your ability to repay.

Can I get a home loan if my only income is social security?

It's possible to get a mortgage with Social Security as your only income, depending on your benefit level, credit score and the amount of debt you have. But like any borrower with a low income, you might not qualify for a large mortgage, and you may have to put down a sizable down payment to get approved.

Can you buy a house while you're on social security?

As long as your income comes from an acceptable source, it shouldn't prevent you from getting approved for a mortgage. If you receive Social Security income, you can use it to qualify for a mortgage. But whether you'll ultimately be approved will depend on your overall financial situation.

Can I get a loan if I receive social security benefits?

The question has both legal and practical implications. But the answer to both is YES! Federal law prohibits lenders from discriminating based on age (and other demographics like race and religion) or withholding loans for those who receive Social Security and other forms of public assistance.

Do banks give mortgages to seniors?

Yes, seniors on Social Security can get a mortgage, as lenders often consider it a stable form of income.

Qualifying For A Home Using Social Security

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What is the oldest age you can get a mortgage?

However, many lenders impose their own rules. Typical mortgage age limits are: under 65 to 80 – to take out a mortgage. under 70 to 95 – when the mortgage term ends.

Does having a mortgage affect Social Security?

Social Security and Retirement Benefits: Paying down your mortgage does not directly affect your Social Security retirement benefits. These benefits are based on your work history and earnings, not your housing situation.

Can a bank deny a mortgage based on age?

The law makes it illegal for creditors to discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because all (or part) of a person's income comes from public assistance or because the applicant has in good faith exercised a right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.

How do retirees get a mortgage?

It's still possible to get a mortgage even if you're retired. Lenders will consider pension, Social Security, and investment income as your regular income. They will consider your annuity, survivor, or spousal benefits and retirement account income as long as you can prove it will continue for at least 3 years.

Can I get a loan if I'm retired?

Yes, you can get a personal loan if you're retired. Lenders will judge each loan application on a case by case basis. They will look to see if you have an income and are otherwise judged to be a low financial risk.

Do mortgage lenders gross up Social Security income?

Mortgage loan for seniors tip

However, retirement or Social Security income is often non-taxable. Therefore, lenders can “gross up” your income by an additional 15%. For example, if you receive $2,000 per month of non-taxable income, a conventional lender can account for an additional $300.

At what age will the bank not give you a mortgage?

55 years old: Almost all lenders will require a written exit strategy, evidence of your superannuation and other assets that can be sold to repay the proposed debt. 60 years old: Most banks are likely to decline your application due to your age.

Can a 70 year old woman get a 30 year mortgage?

Good news: There is no maximum age limit for applying for any mortgage—including a 30-year mortgage. In fact, lenders cannot discriminate based on age due to regulations such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. This means that older adults in their 70s, 80s or beyond can apply for—and obtain—a 30-year mortgage.

Can I get a mortgage if I'm retired?

Yes, there are mortgages for people over 60. There are even mortgages for over 65s and beyond! But many people find it difficult to extend standard mortgages into retirement. Lenders will often need to know how you're funding or planning to fund your retirement.

How much can you have in the bank without it affecting your benefits?

How much money you can have in the bank before losing benefits depends entirely on the specific benefit program, with needs-based programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) having strict limits (around $2,000 for individuals) while earnings-based Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Retirement benefits typically have no asset limits. Other programs like SNAP (food stamps) or state Medicaid also have their own resource rules, so it's crucial to check your specific program's guidelines for its asset caps and exclusions. 

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location. 

What to do when Social Security is not enough to live on?

If Social Security isn't enough, you should supplement your income through other savings (401k, IRAs, brokerage accounts), explore government aid like SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, consider working part-time, use programs like NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp to find assistance, potentially delay claiming benefits for a higher monthly payout, or look into annuities for guaranteed income.