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Mortgage Squad Advisors
Maternity & Parental Leave

On parental leave? You can still qualify on your full salary — not just your EI.

The right lender will use your guaranteed return-to-work income with a simple employer letter, so a temporary leave doesn’t cost you the home you’re ready to buy.

Qualify on return salaryEmployer letter handledBuy or refinance on leaveNot limited to EI incomeFirst-time-buyer friendlyInsured-purchase compatible
5-star rated| FSRA #13737| 5-min pre-qualification
Today’s best 5-yr fixed
4.19%
across 50+ lenders
Live math · Maternity & Parental Leave
$3,218/mo
Property value$750,000
Down payment$150,000
Get pre-approved Full math
Maya · AI · 24/7
Tell me about maternity & parental leave mortgages
5-star rated| FSRA #13737| 50+ langs

It’s a frustrating moment: you’re financially ready to buy or refinance, but you’re on maternity or parental leave, and your bank looks only at your reduced EI benefit and says no. Here’s what most people aren’t told — lenders are allowed to qualify you on the full salary you’ll return to, provided you confirm your return. With a short employer letter stating your guaranteed return date and salary, the right lender treats you as the earner you are, not the temporarily-reduced one. A growing family shouldn’t have to put home plans on hold over a paperwork technicality.

What you get

Why Canadians choose Mortgage Squad Advisors.

Qualify on your full guaranteed return-to-work salary, not just your EI benefits
A simple employer letter (return date + salary + position) unlocks it
Works for both a purchase during leave and a refinance while you’re off
Pairs with first-time-buyer programs (FHSA, RRSP HBP) and gifted down payments
Available on insured purchases with as little as 5% down
We know which lenders are most leave-friendly — and which ones aren’t
Spousal/partner income combined so the household qualifies on its real earning power
No need to rush back to work early just to satisfy an underwriter
Clear documentation package so the file approves the first time
All lender + broker fees disclosed in writing upfront
Maya · 24/7 AI advisor

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How it works

Three steps. No jargon. No pressure.

1

Confirm your return

Tell us your leave dates, your normal salary, and your planned return. The key document is a letter from your employer confirming your position is held, your return date, and the salary you’ll return to. We tell you exactly what it needs to say.

2

Match a leave-friendly lender

Not every lender handles parental leave the same way — some average EI with return income, the best ones use your full return salary. We place your file with a lender that qualifies you on your real earning power, and disclose rate, term, and fees in writing.

3

Approve + close

With the employer letter and your income confirmed, we secure the approval and your lawyer closes — whether that’s a purchase or a refinance. You move forward on the timeline that works for your family, not your underwriter.

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FAQ

Common questions, answered.

Don’t see yours? Ask Maya — instant answer, any time.

Can I really get a mortgage while on maternity or parental leave?
Yes. Being on leave doesn’t disqualify you — the issue is only how income is assessed. Lenders are permitted to use the full salary you’re returning to, as long as you confirm your return with an employer letter. The trick is choosing a lender that does this rather than one that looks only at your reduced EI benefit. That lender choice is exactly where we add value.
What does the employer letter need to say?
It should confirm that your employment continues, your position is being held, your guaranteed return-to-work date, and the salary (or hourly rate and hours) you’ll return to. Some lenders also want confirmation you were employed there before the leave. We give you a clear template so your HR department can produce it quickly.
Will the lender use my EI income or my regular salary?
The best lenders qualify you on your full return-to-work salary when you confirm your return — your EI benefit during leave isn’t the ceiling. Some lenders take a more conservative approach and average or use the lower figure, which is why we’re selective about where we place your file. The difference can be tens of thousands in buying power.
Can my partner’s income carry the application?
Yes. If you’re applying jointly, your partner’s income combines with your return-to-work salary so the household qualifies on its true earning power. In some cases the partner’s income alone is enough, with yours as support. We structure it whichever way approves cleanly.
Can I refinance while on leave, not just buy?
Absolutely. The same principle applies — return-to-work income with an employer letter — whether you’re purchasing or refinancing. Many families refinance during leave to consolidate debt or access equity for the new arrival’s expenses. We treat a leave refinance exactly like any other, just with the return-income documentation.
Do I need to be back at work before closing?
No — that’s the whole point. A leave-friendly lender approves and closes based on your confirmed return, so you don’t have to cut your leave short or time your purchase around your return date. You buy or refinance on your family’s schedule.
What if I’m self-employed and took time off?
Self-employed leave is handled differently since there’s no employer letter. Lenders typically look at your historical business income and how the business continues during your time off. It’s very workable — see our self-employed mortgage page for how stated and documented business income is assessed, and we’ll combine that approach with your leave situation.
Does being pregnant or planning a leave affect my approval?
It shouldn’t, and lenders aren’t entitled to decline you for that. What matters is documented, continuing income. If you’re planning a leave, we’ll structure the file around your confirmed employment and salary so the timing of your family plans doesn’t work against you.
Can I combine this with first-time-buyer help?
Yes — leave-income qualifying stacks with everything else. FHSA savings, the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, a gifted down payment, and first-time-buyer rebates all still apply. Start with our first-time home buyer page for the full set of programs and we’ll layer in the return-to-work income approach.

Related products

First-time home buyerGifted down paymentSelf-employed mortgageAffordability calculatorRefinance overview

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