Quick answer: Potentially, but lenders can average, shade or exclude variable income depending on history and product policy. Base salary is generally easier to verify than overtime, commission or bonuses. Do not assume your highest recent payslip can be annualised.
Questions borrowers commonly ask
- “I earn another ~$20k a year in overtime and allowances — how much will a lender actually count?”
- “Why is the lender shading my commission income instead of using 100%?”
Separate the components
Base salary
Overtime / penalties
Commission
Bonus / one-off incentive
Do not blend them into one annualised number.
Why variable income may be shaded
The lender is trying to estimate sustainable future income.
Evidence can include:
- YTD earnings;
- prior-year income;
- frequency;
- occupation;
- employer;
- whether overtime is rostered/regular.
Commission
A single exceptional sales month should not be treated as normal annual income.
Bonus
A one-off annual bonus can improve savings/deposit but may not be treated as recurring servicing income.
Overtime
Regular essential-services or rostered overtime may be viewed differently from optional sporadic shifts.
Exact treatment is lender-specific.
General information only. Approval, pricing, fees and eligibility depend on the lender, borrower circumstances and contract.
Frequently asked questions
Do lenders use 100% of overtime?
Some may under particular policies; others shade or average it.
What about commission?
History and consistency usually matter.
Can a one-off bonus count?
It may not be treated as recurring repayment income.
How much history is needed?
There is no universal period across all lenders.
Sources and verification
Related GPS Finance resources
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