How to Get a Mortgage While on Maternity Leave in Alberta

Written By Renee Huse

Renee Huse, founder of Spire Mortgage Team in Alberta, knows that life doesn’t slow down when you’re expecting. We get calls all the time from clients wondering:

"Can I still qualify for a mortgage if I’m on maternity leave?"

The answer is yes, you absolutely can.

There’s a lot of misinformation about what happens to your mortgage approval if you’re heading out on mat leave or already there. But the truth is, Alberta lenders will let you use your full income — as long as you have a return-to-work letter.

Let’s unpack what that means and how to qualify step-by-step.

What We’ll Cover

What Lenders Need to See

To get approved for a mortgage while on maternity leave in Alberta, lenders need to understand both your short-term and long-term income situation. The focus is on stability, predictability, and your plan to return to work. Here’s what they’ll typically require:

  • A Return-to-Work Letter: This is the most important piece. It must come from your employer and include:
    • Your job title
    • Your full salary upon return
    • Your confirmed return-to-work date (or estimated date, if flexible)
    • A statement confirming your position is guaranteed

    Tip: We can provide a template for your HR team to make this easy.


  • Your Pre-Maternity Income: Lenders will qualify you based on your full-time salary — not your EI benefits or temporary top-up income. We’ll ask for a recent pay stub or T4 from before your leave.
  • Current Financial Picture: Lenders will want to know how you’re managing bills and expenses during your leave. While your EI or top-up income isn’t used for qualification, showing healthy savings or a supportive partner can help strengthen your file.
  • Credit and Debt Load: As always, strong credit and manageable debt levels will improve your chances of approval. If you’re carrying a car loan, line of credit, or credit card balances, we’ll help you optimize your ratios before submitting.

    • The key is to show lenders that your mat leave is a temporary pause — not a permanent drop in income. When that’s clear on paper, most lenders in Alberta are comfortable moving forward.

    Strategies That Actually Work

    • Apply early: Get pre-approved before your leave for full flexibility
    • Don’t delay during mat leave: As long as you have documentation, you’re eligible
    • Use a co-borrower if needed: A partner or family member can help bridge the income gap
    • Choose the right lender: We’ll match you with one who supports return-to-work qualifications

    Case Study: How Kelsey from Lethbridge Got Approved on Mat Leave

    Client: Kelsey, HR advisor, age 33, Lethbridge

    Home price: $410,000
    Down payment: $41,000 (10%)
    Mortgage amount: $369,000
    Rate: 3.99% (5-year fixed, insured)
    Amortization: 25 years
    Monthly payment: $1,937

    Kelsey was six months into maternity leave with three months until her return. Her employer letter confirmed her $85,000 salary and her job security. We qualified her based on that income and got her approved within a week.

    Budgeting for a Mortgage on Mat Leave

    Even though we use your full income to qualify, your actual cash flow might be tighter while you’re on leave. Here’s how to prepare:

    Strategy What It Means Why It Matters
    Build a Mat Leave Buffer Save 3–6 months of household expenses Adds financial security during leave
    Reduce Other Debts Pay off loans and credit cards Improves cash flow and approval odds
    Use a Calculator Estimate payments with this tool Helps you plan your monthly budget
    Stretch the Amortization Choose 30 years instead of 25 Lowers monthly mortgage payments
    Prepay Later Delay lump-sum payments until back at work Keeps payments low when income is reduced

    Glossary: Key Terms You Should Know

    • Maternity Leave Income: Temporary income from EI or top-ups while off work
    • Return-to-Work Letter: A document confirming your job, income, and return date
    • Insured Mortgage: A mortgage with less than 20% down payment
    • Pre-Approval: An early assessment of what you can borrow, rate-locked for 90–120 days
    • Debt Service Ratios: A calculation of how much of your income goes to debt
    • Co-Signer: Someone who helps support your application by sharing their income
    • Top-Up Benefits: Extra income paid by your employer during leave
    • Full-Time Equivalent Income: Your standard salary used for qualification

    FAQs About Mat Leave Mortgages

    • Can I buy a home while on maternity leave in Alberta? Yes. As long as you have a return-to-work letter, you can use your full income.
    • Can I use EI income to qualify? Most lenders don’t count EI. They want your confirmed return-to-work income instead.
    • What if I don’t have a set return date? Some lenders will accept a tentative date — we can guide you on the wording.
    • Can I buy using only my partner’s income? Absolutely. We often qualify buyers based on the stronger income if needed.
    • What if I’m self-employed? It’s possible, but we’ll need two years of history and a solid plan to return to work.

    Next Steps

    You don’t have to wait until after your maternity leave to buy a home in Alberta. With the right strategy, it’s completely possible — and often ideal — to qualify during your leave.

    Give us a call or fill out an application here, and we’ll help you create a mortgage plan that fits your life, your family, and your future.

    Renee Huse
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