You don't need a job to buy a house. You need documentable income that's likely to continue for at least three years. A paycheck is only one way to satisfy that test, and whoever told you a bank won't count disability retirement income didn't give you the full picture. The three-year test is more flexible than it sounds. Even child support that ends when a 14-year-old turns 18 can be used to qualify, because it clears the three-year threshold before it stops. A finite end date isn't automatically disqualifying. For disability specifically, the split is temporary versus permanent: - Temporary disability generally can't be used unless something in writing confirms it will last at least three years, since those benefits are typically re-evaluated by doctors every few months. - Permanent disability, including Social Security disability income, absolutely can be used. Fair-lending rules cut in your favor here: a lender isn't allowed to discriminate against a type of income except to the extent it isn't expected to continue for the required period. If your disability retirement income is ongoing and documentable, it counts, no job required. Confirm the exact documentation with a lender who works these files regularly.