Mortgage While on Sick Leave — Your Options Honestly Explained
Being on sick leave — whether short or long term — creates uncertainty about income that lenders need to assess carefully. Whether you can get a mortgage depends largely on three things: what income you are receiving during sick leave, whether you have a confirmed return-to-work date, and whether you have any income protection insurance in place.
📋 Three Scenarios — Which Are You?
- Short-term sick leave with confirmed return date: Strongest position. Many lenders will use your full salary if you have a confirmed return-to-work letter from your employer. Similar approach to maternity leave.
- Long-term sick leave with income protection insurance: If your employer or private income protection policy is paying a proportion of your salary, lenders can use this as income. Evidence of the policy and payment is required.
- Long-term sick leave on statutory sick pay only: Most challenging scenario. SSP is £116.75/week which limits borrowing significantly. Waiting until return to work is often the most practical option.
🏦 What Lenders Look At
- Current income during sick leave — full pay, reduced pay, SSP or income protection
- Confirmed return-to-work date if available
- Length of time on sick leave and reason if comfortable sharing
- Income protection insurance — employer or private
- Partner income if joint application
❓ Common Questions
Can a lender discriminate against me for being on sick leave?
Lenders cannot discriminate against you for having a disability or illness under the Equality Act 2010. However they can assess affordability based on current and likely future income. The distinction is between discriminating against you as a person versus assessing a genuine financial risk.
What is income protection insurance and how does it help?
Income protection insurance pays a proportion of your salary — typically 50-70% — if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. This income can be used by mortgage lenders as qualifying income, often making the difference between being able to apply and having to wait.
Should I apply now or wait until I return to work?
For short-term sick leave with a clear return date — applying now with an employer letter is viable. For long-term sick leave without a clear return date — waiting is usually the more practical option. Darryl will give you an honest view of whether applying now makes sense.
The Mortgage Geezer is a trading style of Access Financial Services Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — FCA No. 301173. Registered in England No. 04427489.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute regulated financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Lender criteria are subject to change without notice.