Teachers can apply for a mortgage while on maternity or parental leave. Some lenders and insurers can consider return-to-work salary when the employer confirms the return date and income. Confirm the lender conditions and make sure payments are affordable while your leave income is lower.
Start with your return-to-work letter
Ask your board to confirm your position, return date and salary when you return. Include contract status and planned workload. A letter helps establish income, but does not guarantee a mortgage approval.
Confirm which income the lender will use
Lender and insurer policies differ. Return-to-work salary may be accepted, while other applications need more evidence or a different approach. Explain any uncertainty about the return date, a possible extension or a move to part-time work.
Budget for the whole leave
- EI and board top-up amounts, including when each ends
- Other household income and savings available for payments
- Mortgage, property tax, heating and other regular costs
- Childcare and commuting costs after returning to work
Prepare the application
If the return date or workload changes after you apply, tell Emily and Jeff before closing. Ask which income confirmation needs updating and check the payment against your revised budget.
- Board confirmation of return date, position and salary
- Recent pre-leave pay stubs and requested income records
- Details of current leave benefits and top-up
- Down-payment and savings evidence
- A clear purchase, renewal or refinancing timeline
Sources and dates
Sources below support the relevant figures and rules. Source dates and historical salary years are shown where available. A planned review date does not guarantee that a figure stays current; check the source and your own eligibility before acting.
First published . Updated . Source dates are listed above.
Common questions
Can I get a mortgage while on maternity leave as a teacher?+
You can apply. Approval depends on the lender accepting your income and the rest of the application. A confirmed return-to-work date and salary help establish the income it may use.
What if I do not have a return-to-work letter yet?+
Ask your board what it can confirm and tell your mortgage professional what remains uncertain. Do not rely on a full-salary borrowing estimate until the lender requirements are clear.
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Emily & Jeff Mudrick
Mortgage agents, Mudrick Mortgages
Serving teachers across Ontario.
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