If you are a veteran, active-duty member of the Armed Services, National Guard member or Reservist, you may qualify for a VA home loan, which is none of the best mortgage options out there. But you’ll have to submit certain documents that prove your military service to qualify. The VA loan Statement of Service (SOS) is one of those key documents.
The Statement of Service is an official letter from your branch of the military that attests to important aspects of your service. This document is a must for lenders to decide whether you are eligible for a VA home loan. In this guide, we’ll discuss what a Statement of Service is, what it includes, how to get one and tips for a successful VA loan application.
What Is a VA Loan Statement of Service?
A Statement of Service is an official document that confirms your military service. This is usually required of active duty service members, reservists, and members of the National Guard who have not yet been issued a DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or a NGB-22 (National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service).
Because active-duty personnel and some members of the reserves do not receive a discharge document, a Statement of Service acts as proof of military service, which is a vital requirement for lenders evaluating a VA loan application.
What Is the Importance of the Statement of Service for a VA Loan?
The Statement of Service is how lenders confirm you meet VA loan eligibility requirements. The document helps establish:
- Your Current Military Status: Active-duty, Reserve or National Guard.
- Your service commitment: The length of your service and if it qualifies for the VA loan eligibility threshold.
- Your Qualification for a VA Loan: This paper indicates that you fulfill the minimum length of service necessary to be eligible for a VA loan.*
Active-duty members and certain reservists may not be able to acquire a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which must be obtained before proceeding with a VA loan, without a Statement of Service.
Who Requires a VA Loan Statement of Service?
The Statement of Service is generally needed for:
- Active-Duty Military Members: Because they don’t yet have a DD-214, lenders require a copy of a different document showing active-duty status.
- Reservists and National Guard Members: Reservists who haven’t been discharged, and so do not possess an NGB-22 or DD-214.
- Some Veterans: If a veteran has incomplete or no records available, they might need a Statement of Service to accompany their application.
If you are a veteran who is already discharged, you generally don’t need a Statement of Service. You’ll present your DD-214 or NGB-22 instead as proof of service.
What Should Be Included Within A VA Loan Statement of Service?
The official document should be on official military letterhead and signed by an authorized official in the service member’s chain of command (such as a commanding officer, personnel officer, or adjutant).
Key information included within a statement of service:
- Full Name: Your legal name as recorded in military service.
- Social Security Number (Last Four Digits): For verification purposes.
- Date of Birth: To confirm your identity.
- Branch of Service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force.
- Rank/Pay Grade: Your current rank in the military.
- Service Start Date: The date you began military service.
- Expected Separation Date (If Applicable): The anticipated end date of your service (for active-duty personnel).
- Unit of Assignment: Your current military unit.
- Type of Duty: Active duty, reserve, or National Guard status.
- Time Lost (If any): Any unauthorized absences or disciplinary actions that resulted in lost time.
- Character of Service: Typically “Honorable” for VA loan eligibility.
So by having all this information in the Statement of Service, you ensure your VA loan application gets processed smoothly.
How to Get a VA Loan Statement of Service
To get a Statement of Service, you need to request it from your commanding officer, personnel officer, or human resources department.
Here’s how to request one:
- Contact Your Unit’s Administrative Office: Military personnel records are managed by your unit administrative office, which can provide you with the official letter.
- Some branches might require a formal request either by email or in writing.
- Double Check for Accuracy: Make sure it has all the necessary information before sending it off to your lender.
- Send It to Your Lender: After receiving the Statement of Service, you should submit it to the lender of your VA loan along with other necessary paperwork.
Common issues and How to Prevent Them
Your Statement of Service needs to be correct because missing or inaccurately represented information can delay your VA loan application. Here are some typical more error practices and how to steer clear of them:
1. Missing Key Details
Complete with all pertinent information (dates of service, rank, and unit data); The Statement of Service may be incomplete and loan delays may occur.
2. Not on Official Letterhead
Lenders want the Statement of Service to be in military letterhead with a signature from an authorized official. Otherwise, it will be rejected.
3. Not Signed by an Authorized Signor
It needs to be signed by an authorized personnel officer, commanding officer, or adjutant. If it’s not correctly signed, your lender might reject it.
4. Delayed Requests
Processing times for military solicitation documents may vary. Order your Statement of Service at the beginning of the loan process to prevent delays.
Additional Documents Required for a VA Loan
In addition to the Statement of Service, you may need:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Proves your entitlement for a VA loan.
- DD-214 (For Veterans): Proof of service and proof of discharge.
- NGB-22 (For National Guard Members): Guard members’ separation report.
- LES (Leave and Earnings Statement: Current income from military service
Having all of this documents assembled ahead of time can really help speed along the VA loan approval process.
Final Thoughts
For active-duty service members and certain reservists applying for a VA home loan, a VA Loan Statement of Service is an essential document. In the absence of a DD-214 or NGB-22, it acts as a proof of military service.
To smooth the way for the loan, order your Statement of Service early, check that it has all the information required, and file it with other necessary documents. This makes your closer to getting a VA home loan and owning your home.
If you are looking to get a VA loan, ask your lender or military administrative office to help make sure you have everything you need for a successful application.