VA Home Loan Eligibility

Who may qualify

Eligibility may be available to active-duty service members, Veterans, National Guard members, Reserve members and certain surviving spouses. Limited additional categories can qualify under federal law. The minimum service standard depends on the service period, duty status and discharge circumstances.

Selected current service benchmarks

• Active-duty service members may meet the minimum after 90 continuous days.
• For many Veterans whose service began after August 2, 1990, the standard is generally 24 continuous months, the full called period of at least 90 days, or an applicable exception.
• National Guard and Reserve eligibility can arise through qualifying active-duty service or six creditable years with continuing service, honorable discharge or retirement.
• A service-connected disability or another qualifying discharge reason may create an exception to the usual minimum.

Certificate of Eligibility

A borrower can request a COE or ask a lender to obtain it. The COE shows available entitlement information used in the transaction. Prior use of the benefit, an outstanding VA loan or a previous loss can affect entitlement and down-payment calculations.

Mortgage underwriting still applies

The lender evaluates income, residual income, debts, credit history, occupancy and property acceptability. The property is generally intended as the borrower’s home. Lenders may impose additional lawful standards beyond VA’s minimum requirements.