Halifax has clarified how it will use foster carer income in its affordability tests for home loans.

This follows an announcement by the business last month that it would “support customers working in this sector with homeownership”.

Foster carer income should be entered as self-employed income with two year’s figures entered and income will be verified to tax calculations/tax year overviews as standard for self-employed, the lender says on its broker hub.

But it adds that the business will also accept a letter from a foster care agency with two years’ figures as proof of income.

Foster children should be keyed in as dependants, the lender states.