Why lenders ask more questions
When you’re on maternity leave, lenders have to check how the loan will be repaid if your income is reduced. This doesn’t mean they won’t lend to you, but they will want to understand: Can the repayments be managed on one income? Do you have savings to cover the gap until you return to work? What will your household income look like if you return part-time? Have you factored in the cost of childcare? These aren’t just “red tape” questions — they form part of the lender’s responsibility to make sure you won’t face financial strain down the track.
Common hurdles (and how to prepare)
Sometimes the questions may feel intrusive, but thinking about them early can save stress later. For example, if you’re planning to buy a car, consider whether you can afford repayments during unpaid leave. Work out how long your savings will last before you return to work and plan for changes in your budget once childcare costs kick in.
The good news
Some lenders will approve loans while you’re on maternity leave, especially if you can show a clear return-to-work plan, evidence of savings to bridge the gap, or a partner’s income that comfortably covers repayments.
How Loan Pantry helps
Every family’s situation is different. Our role is to show you the options and lenders most likely to work with your circumstances — without the guesswork. A quick 10-minute conversation with us can help clarify what documents you’ll need, which lenders to approach, and how to position your application for the best outcome.
Takeaway: Being on maternity leave doesn’t automatically close the door to finance — it just means lenders look a little closer. With the right preparation (and the right lender), you can still move forward with confidence.
