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VA Loan Eligibility Requirements

As a veteran who’s served our country, you’ve earned fantastic benefits that can help you buy or refinance a home with a VA loan. Before you can access these benefits, though, it’s important to ensure your eligibility.
Want to make sure you qualify? We’ll walk you through the ins and outs of VA loan eligibility in this guide.

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VA Loan Eligibility Requirements

Service Requirements for a VA Loan

To qualify for a VA loan and obtain a certificate of eligibility (COE), you must meet at least one of the following service-based criteria:

  • 90 consecutive days of active-duty service during wartime
  • 181 consecutive days of active-duty service during peacetime
  • 90 days in the National Guard and Reserves since August 2, 1990, or 6 years in the Selected Reserve or National Guard
  • Surviving spouses of service members who are missing in action, prisoners of war, or have died during active-duty service or as a result of a service-related injury

Don’t meet one of these exact requirements? No worries–there are a few exceptions.

Alternative Eligibility Scenarios

You may still qualify for a VA loan if your service ended under the following circumstances:

  • Discharge due to hardship, government convenience, or reduction in force
  • Discharge for a medical condition or service-connected disability
  • Discharge under the early-out program with at least 21 months of a 2-year enlistment

How to Verify Your VA Loan Eligibility

If you meet the above criteria, good news! You’re eligible for a VA loan. Now it’s time to verify your eligibility.

Obtaining Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as a Veteran

The COE is the key document that verifies your eligibility for a VA loan. You can obtain it through:

  • The VA’s eBenefits portal
  • Submitting a completed VA Form 26-1880 by mail
  • Getting help from Commander Mortgage

Obtaining Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as a Surviving Spouses

Surviving spouses can also qualify for a VA loan by obtaining a COE. To do so, you’ll need:

  • Proof of your spouse’s service, such as a DD Form 214
  • A completed VA Form 26-1817

Other Documents You May Need

In addition to verifying your COE, you may need to provide:

  • Proof of Income (W-2 forms, tax returns, recent pay stubs, documentation of retirement income)
  • Credit History
  • Property Appraisal of the property you plan to purchase, to ensure it meets VA eligibility standards
  • Proof of Citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate)
  • VA Entitlement Verification

Other Requirements to Consider

Ultimately, your service history is the most important requirement in your VA loan eligibility. However, there are several other requirements to consider as you start your application. When inspecting your application, lenders like us will evaluate the following:

  • Credit Score: While the VA doesn’t set a minimum score, we look for a score of ### or higher.
  • Income and DTI Ratio: A steady income and a manageable debt-to-income ratio are crucial for loan approval.
  • Overall Financial Health: It’s vital to demonstrate financial stability to prove that you’re able to pay your down payment, mortgage, and interest.

Learn more about VA requirements here.

No matter what shape your finances are in, we’re here to help you overcome challenges and secure your VA loans with confidence.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re just beginning the process or need help verifying your eligibility, Commander Mortgage is here to help you through every step of our home-buying journey with care and expertise.

Get Started Today