A VA-backed home loan is a valuable benefit for service members, veterans, and their families, offering affordable home financing with no down payment required.
Verify Your VA Loan Eligibility
Eligibility for a VA loan is based primarily on your service record, including active duty service, National Guard or Reserve service, and your discharge status. Additionally, certain spouses of veterans are also eligible.
You may qualify if any of the following apply to you:
You served at least 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime periods.
You served at least 181 days of active service during peacetime periods.
You've completed at least 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves, or served at least 90 days of active duty under specific orders.
You are the surviving spouse of a service member who died while on active duty or due to a service-connected disability.
Even if you don't meet the standard requirements listed above, there are special circumstances that could still qualify you for this benefit.
Here’s everything you need to know to determine your eligibility and start the process confidently.
The specifics of your VA loan eligibility depend heavily on when and how you served. Your required service length varies depending on your service period.
Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – present): You need at least 90 continuous days of active service.
Peacetime periods: Typically require 181 continuous days of active service.
Vietnam War, Korean War, WWII, and other conflicts: Each has unique eligibility rules, which your lender can clarify based on your exact dates of service.
Service after August 2, 1990: You typically need at least 90 days of active duty service, with 30 consecutive days.
Prior to this date: Generally, 6 years of Guard or Reserve service qualifies you for a VA loan.
If you're uncertain about your specific eligibility based on service dates or conditions, contacting a VA loan specialist can quickly clarify your situation.
Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the essential document verifying that you qualify for a VA loan. Obtaining a COE is straightforward and usually quick:
Through Your Lender: Most lenders can access your COE immediately using your Social Security number and date of birth.
Online: You can request it instantly through the VA’s eBenefits portal.
By Mail: Fill out VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to your state's VA regional loan center.
Even if you don’t meet the minimum service requirements mentioned above, you could still qualify for a VA loan under certain circumstances, such as:
Discharge due to hardship.
Early discharge for the convenience of the government (minimum of 20 months served).
Early discharge ("early-out") after serving at least 21 months.
Discharge due to a reduction in force.
Discharge for medical conditions or a service-connected disability.
Spouses of Veterans also have special eligibility considerations. You may qualify if your Veteran spouse:
Died while serving or due to a service-related condition.
Is currently Missing in Action (MIA) or held as a Prisoner of War (POW).
Surviving spouses can verify eligibility by obtaining their own COE through the VA, often requiring a marriage license, death certificate, and service records.
Your VA home loan benefit isn't limited to just one-time use. You can reuse this benefit multiple times throughout your lifetime if any of the following conditions are met:
You've repaid your previous VA loan in full and sold the home.
Another eligible Veteran has formally assumed your previous VA loan, transferring their entitlement.
You've fully repaid your VA loan, but you still own the home (allowed once).
While the VA sets broad eligibility guidelines, each individual lender also imposes its own credit and financial standards. Common requirements include:
A minimum credit score of around 620 (varies by lender).
Stable income demonstrating the ability to manage loan payments comfortably.
A manageable debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, typically below 41% (can vary).
Sufficient residual income (money left each month after paying major expenses) to handle emergencies and everyday costs.
Your lender will guide you through their specific financial requirements during your application process.
Applying for a VA loan involves three straightforward steps:
Start your loan application by contacting a lender specializing in VA loans. They'll guide you through the initial qualification and preapproval steps.
Your lender will help you verify eligibility, or you can quickly obtain your COE yourself online.
Provide required documentation, including W-2s, tax returns, income statements, and other financial information your lender requests.
The entire process typically takes around 30-45 days after signing a purchase agreement.
Yes, provided you’ve restored your entitlement as outlined above.
No, VA loans never require private mortgage insurance.
Generally, VA loans must be used for a primary residence, not investment properties.
We're here to help every step of the way. Confirm your eligibility today and take the first step toward home ownership.
