Can I get a mortgage on disability income?

Yes, you can get a mortgage using disability income. Lenders accept several types of disability income for mortgage qualification: 1) SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) — accepted by all lenders, grossed up 25% (because it is tax-free). Example: $2,000/month SSDI = $2,500/month qualifying income. 2) VA disability compensation — accepted by all lenders, grossed up 25%. VA disability is tax-free and considered permanent. 3) SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — accepted by most lenders, but may not be grossed up (it is need-based and could change). 4) Private disability insurance (long-term disability) — accepted if taxable (no gross up) or tax-free (25% gross up). Must show continuance for 3+ years. 5) Workers' compensation — accepted with award letter and payment history. 6) Disability pension — accepted like regular pension income. The Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibit lenders from discriminating based on disability. Lenders must treat disability income the same as any other income, as long as it is verifiable, stable, and likely to continue. Best lenders for disability income mortgages: Rocket Mortgage (5.875%, SSDI/VA gross up), Guaranteed Rate (5.875%, disability specialists), and Wells Fargo (6.000%, disability lending team).

Does SSDI count as income for a mortgage?

Yes, SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) counts as qualifying income for a mortgage. In fact, SSDI is one of the best income sources for mortgage qualification because it is tax-free and lenders gross it up 25%. Here is how it works: 1) Gross up calculation — since SSDI is not taxed for most recipients (those with combined income below $25,000 individual / $32,000 joint), lenders multiply the monthly benefit by 1.25. Example: $2,000/month SSDI × 1.25 = $2,500/month qualifying income. 2) Documentation — provide your SSA award letter (available at SSA.gov) showing the monthly benefit amount and that it is ongoing. 3) Continuance — SSDI is considered permanent (reviewed every 3-7 years), so lenders accept it without expiration concerns. Most lenders require a 3-year continuance, which SSDI easily meets. 4) Tax-free verification — if SSDI is your only income and it is below the taxable threshold, the lender applies the 25% gross up. If you have other income that makes SSDI taxable, the lender may not gross it up. 5) All loan types accept SSDI — FHA (580+ credit, 3.5% down), conventional (620+ credit, 3% down), VA (580+ credit, 0% down), USDA (640+ credit, 0% down). Example: $2,400/month SSDI (grossed up to $3,000) qualifies for a $110,000 home at 6% rate with 43% DTI.

Can I get a mortgage with SSI income?

Yes, you can get a mortgage with SSI (Supplemental Security Income) income, but it is more challenging than SSDI. Here is the difference: 1) SSI is need-based — SSI is a need-based program for people with limited income and resources. Because it is need-based, lenders may be concerned that it could change if your financial situation changes. 2) Gross up — SSI is tax-free, so some lenders gross it up 25%. However, other lenders do not gross up SSI because it is need-based (unlike SSDI which is earned through work credits). 3) Continuance — SSI is reviewed periodically, but if your disability is permanent, SSI is likely to continue. Lenders typically require a 3-year continuance letter from SSA. 4) Income amount — SSI max in 2026 is $914/month individual ($1,371/month couple). This is relatively low and may not qualify for much mortgage on its own. At $914/month (no gross up) and 43% DTI, max housing payment = $393/month, qualifying for approximately a $65,000 mortgage at 6%. 5) Combining income — most SSI recipients combine SSI with other income (part-time work, SSDI, spouse's income, rental income) to qualify for a larger mortgage. 6) Lender acceptance — most lenders accept SSI, but some are more flexible. Best lenders for SSI: Wells Fargo (accepts SSI with award letter), New American Funding (flexible, Non-QM backup), and Rocket Mortgage (accepts SSI with documentation).

Can disabled veterans get a mortgage with VA disability income?

Yes, disabled veterans can get a mortgage using VA disability income, and they have significant advantages: 1) VA disability income is tax-free and grossed up 25% — $2,400/month VA disability = $3,000/month qualifying income. 2) VA loan with 0% down — disabled veterans can get a VA loan with no down payment. 3) VA funding fee waived — veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher are exempt from the VA funding fee (normally 1.4-3.6% of the loan amount). On a $400,000 loan, this saves $5,600-$14,400. 4) VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant — up to $117,014 for accessible home modifications or purchase. 5) VA Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant — up to $23,444 for home adaptations. 6) VA loan with disability income — the VA loan accepts VA disability income with 25% gross up, plus any other income (pension, employment, investment). 7) No PMI — VA loans have no private mortgage insurance. Example: A disabled veteran with $2,400/month VA disability (grossed up to $3,000) + $2,000/month pension = $5,000/month qualifying income. At 43% DTI and 6% rate, this qualifies for a $185,000 home with 0% down and no funding fee. Best VA lenders for disabled veterans: Rocket Mortgage (5.875%, funding fee waiver experts), Guaranteed Rate (5.875%, VA disability specialists), and U.S. Bank (6.000%, VA experienced).

Are there grants for disabled home buyers?

Yes, there are several grants and programs for disabled home buyers: 1) FHA Home Accessibility Grant — up to $15,000 for accessibility modifications (wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, lowered countertops). Available to FHA borrowers with disabilities. 2) VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant — up to $117,014 for veterans with specific service-connected disabilities to buy or modify an accessible home. 3) VA Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant — up to $23,444 for veterans with specific service-connected disabilities for home adaptations. 4) State DPA programs — many states offer down payment assistance grants of $5,000-$35,000 for disabled buyers. Check with your state housing finance agency. 5) HUD Homeownership Voucher Program — Section 8 voucher holders can use their voucher toward mortgage payments instead of rent. 6) Habitat for Humanity — builds affordable accessible homes for low-income families, including disabled buyers. Requires sweat equity and willingness to partner. 7) National Disability Institute (NDI) — offers financial education, Individual Development Accounts (IDA) with matched savings, and home buying guidance. 8) State assistive technology programs — grants and low-interest loans for accessibility modifications. 9) Fannie Mae Community HomeChoice — flexible mortgage guidelines for disabled buyers with low-to-moderate income. 10) Local non-profits — many local disability organizations offer home buying assistance. Stack multiple programs for maximum benefit.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to buy a home?

Yes, you can use a Section 8 voucher to buy a home through the HUD Homeownership Voucher Program. This program allows Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders to use their monthly voucher subsidy toward mortgage payments instead of rent. Here is how it works: 1) Eligibility — you must be a current Section 8 voucher holder, a first-time homebuyer (or not owned a home in the past 3 years), and meet income requirements (minimum annual income of $14,500 for disabled/elderly, employment income must be at least $10,300/year). 2) Homeownership counseling — you must complete a HUD-approved homeownership counseling program. 3) Mortgage qualification — you must qualify for a mortgage from a lender (FHA, conventional, etc.). The voucher subsidy helps with the monthly mortgage payment. 4) Voucher subsidy — the housing authority calculates your voucher subsidy based on your income and the monthly mortgage payment. The subsidy is paid directly to the lender. 5) Property requirements — the home must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards and be inspected. 6) Maximum term — the voucher subsidy can be used for up to 15 years (20 years for elderly/disabled). 7) Availability — not all housing authorities offer the Homeownership Voucher Program. Check with your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). The program is especially beneficial for disabled buyers who receive SSI/SSDI and have a Section 8 voucher.

What credit score do disabled buyers need for a mortgage?

Disabled buyers need the same minimum credit scores as any other borrower: 1) FHA — 580+ for 3.5% down, 500-579 for 10% down. 2) Conventional — 620+ minimum. 3) VA — 580+ (lender-dependent). 4) USDA — 640+. 5) Non-QM — 500-620 (lender-dependent). Higher credit scores unlock better rates: 580+ — FHA 3.5% down, 620+ — Conventional 3% down, 640+ — USDA 0% down, 680+ — Best rates, 740+ — Lowest possible rates. If your credit is below 620, focus on: paying down credit card balances, disputing credit report errors, keeping utilization under 30%, making all payments on time. For disabled buyers with limited credit history (no recent loans because of disability), lenders can use alternative credit: 12 months of on-time rent, utility, insurance, and cell phone payments.

Can I get a mortgage if I am on disability and cannot work?

Yes, you can get a mortgage if you are on disability and cannot work. Your disability income (SSDI, VA disability, private disability insurance) counts as qualifying income even if you are not employed. Here is how: 1) SSDI — if you receive SSDI and cannot work, the SSDI income counts for mortgage qualification. With 25% gross up, $2,400/month SSDI = $3,000/month qualifying income. At 43% DTI and 6% rate, this qualifies for a $110,000 home. 2) VA disability — same treatment as SSDI. Tax-free, grossed up 25%. 3) Private long-term disability (LTD) — if you have private LTD insurance, the monthly benefit counts as income. If tax-free, it is grossed up 25%. Must show continuance for 3+ years. 4) Combining income sources — if your disability income alone is not enough, combine with: spouse's income, investment income, rental income, pension, or retirement account distributions (asset depletion). 5) Down payment assistance — use DPA grants ($5K-$35K) to reduce the loan amount needed, making it easier to qualify with disability income alone. 6) Co-borrower — a family member (parent, sibling) can co-sign as a non-occupant co-borrower to add their income. 7) Non-QM — if conventional/FHA do not work, Non-QM loans offer flexible qualification.

Can I get accessibility modifications financed into my mortgage?

Yes, you can finance accessibility modifications into your mortgage through several options: 1) FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan — allows you to finance both the home purchase and the cost of accessibility modifications (ramps, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, lowered countertops, stair lifts) into a single FHA loan. 3.5% down on the total (purchase + modifications). Max loan: $806,500. 2) Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loan — similar to FHA 203(k) but conventional. 5% down on the total (purchase + modifications). Max loan: $806,500. 3) VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant — up to $117,014 for veterans to modify an existing home or build a new accessible home. This is a grant, not a loan — it does not need to be repaid. 4) VA Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant — up to $23,444 for veterans for home adaptations. 5) FHA Home Accessibility Grant — up to $15,000 for accessibility modifications. 6) State assistive technology programs — grants and low-interest loans for modifications. 7) Cash-out refinance — if you already own a home, you can do a cash-out refinance to fund modifications. Max LTV: 80% conventional, 80% FHA. Example: Buy a $200K home + $30K in accessibility modifications = $230K total. FHA 203(k) at 3.5% down = $8,050 down. Loan = $221,950. Monthly payment at 6% = $1,331.

Can a disabled person buy a home with no down payment?

Yes, a disabled person can buy a home with no down payment through several options: 1) VA loan — disabled veterans can get a VA loan with 0% down and no funding fee (if disability rating is 10%+). This is the best zero-down option for disabled veterans. 2) USDA loan — if buying in a rural area, USDA loans offer 0% down. Income limits apply (typically 80-115% AMI). 3) Section 184 loan — Native American disabled buyers can get 0% down with no PMI through the HUD Section 184 program. 4) DPA grants — many state and local programs offer grants of $5,000-$35,000 that can cover the full 3.5% FHA down payment. On a $300K home, 3.5% = $10,500, which can be fully covered by a $10K+ grant. 5) HUD Good Neighbor Next Door — disabled first responders and teachers can get 50% off the home price with $100 down (FHA). 6) Habitat for Humanity — builds homes for low-income families (including disabled) with zero-interest mortgages and no down payment. 7) Gift funds — family members can gift the down payment (FHA and conventional allow gift funds). Without veteran status, rural eligibility, or Native American enrollment, the lowest down payment is 3.5% FHA, which can be covered by grants or gift funds.

Home>Blog>MORTGAGE

MORTGAGE22 min read2026-08-15

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Mortgage Advisor & Editor-in-Chief · NMLS #1874256, CFP

Mortgage for Disabled Buyers 2026: Top 10 Lenders Compared (Disability Income Mortgages)

Rates Updated: June 27, 2026

Disabled buyers can achieve homeownership using disability income (SSDI, SSI, VA disability) to qualify for a mortgage. Under the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act, lenders cannot discriminate based on disability. In 2026, SSDI and VA disability income are grossed up 25% for DTI calculation (because they are tax-free), increasing qualifying income significantly. SSI income is also accepted but may not be grossed up since it is need-based. FHA, conventional, and VA loans all accept disability income. Additionally, disabled buyers may qualify for accessibility grants (up to $15,000 for modifications), down payment assistance programs, and specialized state programs. Section 8 voucher holders can use their vouchers toward mortgage payments through the HUD Homeownership Voucher Program. We compared the top 10 mortgage lenders for disabled buyers and ranked them based on disability income treatment, accessibility grant knowledge, DPA program access, and customer satisfaction. Whether you receive SSDI, SSI, VA disability, or private disability benefits, this guide covers every mortgage option available to disabled buyers in 2026. [cta:Compare today's best disability income mortgage rates|mortgage]

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Top 10 Mortgage Lenders for Disabled Buyers 2026: Side-by-Side Comparison

We compared the 10 best disability-friendly mortgage lenders across 7 critical factors: starting rate, disability income treatment (gross up), SSI acceptance, VA disability expertise, DPA program access, accessibility grant knowledge, and min credit score.

All 10 lenders accept SSDI and VA disability income. The key differentiator is SSI acceptance and gross-up treatment. Compare disabled buyer lenders

Rank	Lender	Starting Rate	SSDI Gross Up	SSI Accepted	VA Disability Expertise	Min Credit	Get Started
1	Rocket Mortgage	5.875%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Yes (with documentation)	High — VA disability funding fee waiver experts	620	Get disability mortgage
2	Guaranteed Rate	5.875%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Yes (case-by-case)	High — VA disability specialists	620	Get disability mortgage
3	Wells Fargo	6.000%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Yes (with award letter)	High — VA and disability lending team	620	Get disability mortgage
4	New American Funding	6.125%	Yes — 25% gross up + Non-QM backup	Yes (flexible)	High — VA disability + Non-QM options	620	Get disability mortgage
5	U.S. Bank	6.000%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Yes (with documentation)	High — VA disability experienced	640	Get disability mortgage
6	Bank of America	6.000%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Moderate (case-by-case)	Moderate — VA disability accepted	640	Get disability mortgage
7	Chase	6.125%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Moderate (case-by-case)	Moderate — VA disability accepted	620	Get disability mortgage
8	loanDepot	6.125%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Yes (with award letter)	Moderate — VA disability accepted	620	Get disability mortgage
9	Better.com	5.990%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Limited (case-by-case)	Moderate — VA disability accepted	620	Get disability mortgage
10	PNC Bank	6.250%	Yes — 25% gross up on SSDI/VA disability	Moderate (case-by-case)	Moderate — VA disability accepted	620	Get disability mortgage

Best Lenders for Mortgage for Disabled Buyers

Nov 1

Rocket MortgageBEST RATE

Best online experience

5.750%

Min credit: 620

Better.com

No lender fees

5.625%

Min credit: 620

Veterans United

Best for VA loans

5.500%

Min credit: 580

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How Disability Income Counts for Mortgage Qualification

Disability income is fully accepted for mortgage qualification. Here is a complete breakdown of how each type of disability income is treated by lenders.

SSDI and VA disability are tax-free, so lenders gross them up 25% — turning $2,000/month into $2,500/month qualifying income. Calculate disability income qualification

Income Type	Taxable?	Gross Up?	How Lenders Calculate	Documentation Required	Get Started
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)	Tax-free (for most recipients)	Yes — 25% gross up	Monthly benefit × 1.25 = qualifying income	SSA award letter, proof of continuance (3+ years)	Get SSDI mortgage
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)	Tax-free (need-based)	Sometimes — lender-dependent	Monthly benefit (may or may not be grossed up)	SSA award letter, proof of continuance	Get SSI mortgage
VA disability compensation	Tax-free	Yes — 25% gross up	Monthly benefit × 1.25 = qualifying income	VA award letter, VA Form 28-1900	Get VA disability mortgage
Private disability insurance (LTD/STD)	Taxable (if employer paid premiums) or tax-free (if you paid premiums)	Yes if tax-free, No if taxable	Monthly benefit × 1.25 (if tax-free) or × 1.0 (if taxable)	Disability insurance policy, payment statements, proof of continuance	Get private disability mortgage
Workers' compensation	Tax-free (most cases)	Yes — 25% gross up (if tax-free)	Monthly benefit × 1.25 = qualifying income	Workers comp award letter, payment history	Get workers comp mortgage
Private pension (disability retirement)	Taxable (most cases)	No	Monthly pension amount	Pension award letter, 1099-R	Get disability pension mortgage

Disabled Buyer Home Buying Programs and Grants 2026

Disabled buyers have access to several specialized programs and grants. Here are the top 10 programs with benefits and eligibility.

Stack programs for maximum benefit — combine an accessibility grant with DPA and a lender discount. Stack disabled buyer programs

Program	Type	Benefit	Eligibility	Get Started
HUD Homeownership Voucher Program	Federal (HUD)	Section 8 voucher can be used toward mortgage payment	Current Section 8 voucher holders who are first-time homebuyers	Get HUD voucher program
FHA Home Accessibility Grant	Federal (FHA)	Up to $15,000 for accessibility modifications (ramps, wider doors, accessible bathroom)	FHA borrowers with disabilities	Get FHA accessibility grant
VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant	Federal (VA)	Up to $117,014 for accessible home modifications or purchase	Veterans with specific service-connected disabilities	Get VA SAH grant
VA Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant	Federal (VA)	Up to $23,444 for home adaptations	Veterans with specific service-connected disabilities	Get VA SHA grant
State DPA programs for disabled	State	$5,000-$35,000 down payment assistance	Disabled buyers, income limits vary by state	Get state DPA
Habitat for Humanity	Non-profit	Affordable homeownership for low-income disabled buyers	Low-income, willing to partner (sweat equity)	Get Habitat for Humanity
National Disability Institute (NDI)	Non-profit	Financial education, IDA matched savings, home buying guidance	People with disabilities	Get NDI help
Fannie Mae Community HomeChoice	Federal (Fannie Mae)	Flexible guidelines for disabled buyers, lower down payment	Disabled borrowers with low-to-moderate income	Get Fannie Mae HomeChoice
Freddie Mac Home Possible	Federal (Freddie Mac)	3% down, flexible income sources for disabled buyers	Low-to-moderate income disabled borrowers	Get Freddie Mac Home Possible
State assistive technology programs	State	Grants/loans for accessibility modifications	Residents with disabilities, varies by state	Get state assistive tech

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Disability Income Mortgage: Buying Power Example

Here is an example showing how disability income qualifies for a mortgage, with the 25% gross-up advantage.

A disabled buyer with $2,400/month SSDI gets $3,000/month qualifying income (25% gross up) — qualifying for a $110,000 home at 6%. Calculate disability buying power

Scenario	Monthly Disability Income	Grossed Up (×1.25)	Additional Income	Total Qualifying Income	Max Purchase Price (6%, 43% DTI)	Get Started
SSDI only	$2,000	$2,500	$0	$2,500	$92,000	Calculate buying power
SSDI + part-time	$2,000	$2,500	$1,000	$3,500	$129,000	Calculate buying power
VA disability only	$2,400	$3,000	$0	$3,000	$110,000	Calculate buying power
VA disability + pension	$2,400	$3,000	$1,500	$4,500	$166,000	Calculate buying power
SSDI + spouse W-2	$2,000	$2,500	$3,000	$5,500	$203,000	Calculate buying power
Private disability + SSDI	$3,000 + $1,500	$3,750 + $1,875	$0	$5,625	$207,000	Calculate buying power
SSI only	$914 (2026 max)	$914 (no gross up)	$0	$914	$34,000	Calculate buying power
SSDI + DPA grant	$2,000	$2,500	$0 + $10K grant	$2,500	$92,000 + $10K grant = $102K effective	Calculate buying power

How to Get a Mortgage as a Disabled Buyer: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a mortgage as a disabled buyer requires documenting disability income and accessing specialized programs. Here is a step-by-step guide.

The key: obtain your disability award letter, ask about the 25% gross-up, and check for accessibility grants and DPA programs. Get your disability income mortgage

Step 1: Gather your disability income documentation — SSA award letter (SSDI/SSI), VA award letter (VA disability), or private disability policy
Step 2: Verify continuance — lenders require proof that disability income will continue for at least 3 years (SSDI and VA disability are considered permanent)
Step 3: Check your credit score — aim for 620+ (conventional) or 580+ (FHA)
Step 4: Ask lenders about the 25% gross-up on tax-free disability income (SSDI and VA disability)
Step 5: Check for accessibility grants — FHA accessibility grant ($15K), VA SAH/SHA grants for veterans, state assistive technology programs
Step 6: Apply for down payment assistance — state DPA programs for disabled buyers ($5K-$35K)
Step 7: If you have a Section 8 voucher, check if your local PHA offers the HUD Homeownership Voucher Program
Step 8: Get pre-qualified with at least 3 lenders from our top 10 (soft credit pull, no impact)
Step 9: Compare offers — look at rate, disability income treatment, DPA access, and accessibility grant knowledge
Step 10: Close on your accessible home — use grants for modifications and enjoy homeownership

Mortgage Calculator

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Loan Amount$320,000

Monthly Payment$1,867

Total Interest$352,276

Total Paid$672,276

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Today's Best Mortgage Rates

Updated November 1, 2026

Lender	Rate	APR	Fees	Best For	Action
Veterans United	5.500%	5.641%	$0	VA loan specialist	Check Rate
Navy Federal CU	5.500%	5.628%	$0	No PMI, military only	Check Rate
Better.com	5.625%	5.765%	$0	No lender fees	Check Rate
New American Funding	5.625%	5.780%	$1,095	FHA specialist, fast closing	Check Rate
Rocket Mortgage	5.750%	5.890%	$1,295	Best online experience	Check Rate
CrossCountry Mortgage	5.750%	5.895%	$1,500	Non-QM, complex files	Check Rate

Rates shown are illustrative. Actual rates vary by credit score, location, and loan details.

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Sarah Mitchell NMLS #1874256, CFP

Senior Mortgage Advisor & Editor-in-Chief

15+ years as a licensed mortgage advisor (NMLS #1874256) and CFP. Former senior underwriter at Rocket Mortgage. Featured in Forbes and Bankrate.

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