Short answer
Often, yes. Under Fannie Mae's rules for conventional loans, a borrower on temporary leave, such as maternity or parental leave or short-term disability, is treated as employed when the employer confirms the leave. If you'll be back at work by your first mortgage payment, the lender can qualify you on your regular pay. If not, it uses the lower of your leave pay or your regular pay, and may add a supplement from your savings.
What counts as temporary leave?
Temporary leave is short-term leave you take from a job you'll return to, such as maternity or parental leave or short-term medical disability. You may or may not be paid while you're out. A furlough or layoff your employer starts doesn't count, even if it comes with a return date.
What will the lender ask for?
- Your written statement that you plan to go back to work
- Your expected return date, from your employer or its leave administrator
- The amount and length of any pay you get during the leave
- Your regular pay from before the leave, documented as usual
When the lender calls to verify your job, your employer confirming that you're on leave is enough to treat you as employed.
What if I go back to work after my first payment is due?
Then the lender qualifies you on the lower of your leave pay or your regular pay. If leave pay is lower, it can add a supplement from your savings: money left after your down payment, closing costs and required reserves, spread over the months between your first payment and your return to work. Your total qualifying income can't go above your regular pay.
Will a lender ask if I'm planning to take leave?
It shouldn't. Fannie Mae's guide says a lender must not ask a borrower who isn't on leave whether they plan to take one. If you are on leave, or your leave has started by the time you apply, say so early, so the lender collects the right documents from the start.
Do FHA, VA and USDA loans work the same way?
Each program has its own income rules, so the documents and the way your income is counted can differ. Tom can tell you which program's rules fit your timing before you apply.
Sources
Checked October 27, 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program availability, eligibility and terms vary by lender and are subject to change and to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend.