VA Loan Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements for VA Loans
VA loans appeal to those who qualify because they do not typically require a down payment. They also offer lower interest rates than other mortgage loans with comparable terms. They do not pay mortgage insurance monthly.
A VA loan is not available to everyone who has served in the armed forces. To be eligible, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- You’ve completed 181 days of active duty during peacetime.
- You’ve served 90 days of wartime active duty in a row.
- You’ve served in the National Guard or Reserves for more than 6 years or 90 days under Title 32, with at least 30 consecutive days.
You are the spouse of a serviceman who died in the line of duty or from a service-related disability. There are exceptional cases and other criteria for a spouse to get a VA loan if you have remarried.
The definition of wartime or peacetime depends on when you served. See the VA’s eligibility guidelines for more details.
What Is the Meaning of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document that shows your mortgage company that you are eligible for a VA home loan. To obtain a COE, you must show proof of service. The documentation you must provide depends on whether you are an active-duty military member, a veteran, a surviving spouse, or otherwise qualify for a VA loan.
If you qualify, America’s VA Loan can assist you in obtaining your COE.
Documentation Required
Veterans
Veterans must provide DD Form 214. The DD Form 214 is a document that confirms your military discharge. DD Form 214 requests can be made online through the eVetRecs filing system.
Members of the Armed Forces
For VA loan applications, you’ll need a statement of service signed by your personnel officer, an adjunct, or a unit commander if you’re an active-duty service member. Your full legal name, Social Security number, and birthdate must be included on the statement of service. Before applying for your COE, ask your superior for a statement of service.
Active National Guard Member (current or former)
Current National Guard members also require a copy of their Form DD 214.
You’ll need one of the following if you have at least 90 days of active service:
- Your DD214 indicates activation under 32 USC sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505.
- An annual point statement
- Your DD220 and related orders
Current National Guard or Reserve Member Who Has Not Been Activated
A statement of service signed by your commanding officer is required. These are the same requirements as for active-duty service members.
Discharged National Guardsman Who’s Not Operated
For each period of National Guard service, discharged members must have an NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service. In addition, you must have NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, and proof of service character.
Surviving Husbands and Wives
Surviving spouses who do not qualify for dependency benefits may apply for a COE if they have their spouse’s DD Form 214, marriage licence, and death certificate. You must also print and fill out VA form 21P-534-ARE, which can be found on the VA benefits website.
Surviving spouses eligible for dependency benefits must print and fill out VA form 26-1817. The form is free to download from the VA benefits website.
Check To See If You Meet The Requirements
Do You Have Any Doubts About Your Eligibility?
Questions about whether you qualify?
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