For child support income to be counted for the payee, there must be continuity of this income for how long?

For child support income to be counted for the payee, there must be continuity of this income for how long?

• A. 1 year
• B. 2 years
• C. 3 years
• D. 4 years

Answer: (C)

Child support income can be counted only when there is a proven, ongoing pattern of payments likely to continue for a substantial period. The minimum continuity required is three years. This ensures the income is stable and not merely a short-term entitlement. Documentation typically includes the court order or divorce decree establishing the obligation, a history of actual payments received (often the most recent 12 months or more), and evidence or an expectation that payments will continue for at least three years from the date of underwriting. If the payments are guaranteed to continue for at least three years, they count; if the obligation could end earlier or isn’t guaranteed, it wouldn’t be included as qualifying income.

Child support income can be counted only when there is a proven, ongoing pattern of payments likely to continue for a substantial period. The minimum continuity required is three years. This ensures the income is stable and not merely a short-term entitlement. Documentation typically includes the court order or divorce decree establishing the obligation, a history of actual payments received (often the most recent 12 months or more), and evidence or an expectation that payments will continue for at least three years from the date of underwriting. If the payments are guaranteed to continue for at least three years, they count; if the obligation could end earlier or isn’t guaranteed, it wouldn’t be included as qualifying income.