VA Loan Eligibility

Service Members and Veterans of the United States Military serving our country earn their VA Home Loan Benefit. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the type and character of your service.

Active Duty Military

For those on active duty, you must have at least 90 continuous days of service. You will need a “statement of service”, which can be signed by a unit commander, delegated authority, or the servicing personnel office.

Veterans

For those veterans discharged from active military duty, you must have served at least 181 days on active duty. You will need a DD214 showing the length and character of service. For character of service, anything other than dishonorable is acceptable. If you do not meet the minimum service requirements, you may still be eligible if you were discharged due to hardship, the convenience of the government, reduction-in-force, certain medical conditions, or a service-connected disability.

Current National Guard and Reserve Members

For those members of the National Guard or Reserves never called to duty under Title 10, you must serve at least six years. You will need a chronological statement of service, (Or DD214s) showing six years of service. The statement of service can be signed by a unit commander, delegated authority, or the servicing personnel office.

Discharged National Guard and Reserve Members

For those members of the National Guard or Reserves, discharged and never called to duty under Title 10, you must serve at least six years. You will need an NGB 22 or NGB 23 showing honorable service.

National Guard and Reserve Members Called to Active Duty

For those members of the National Guard or Reserves called to duty under Title 10, you must serve at least 90 days. You will need to obtain a DD214 or NGB22 for this period of active duty service showing at least 90 days of service. The character of service for this period must be honorable to qualify.

Spouses

In some instances, the spouse of a veteran is eligible for VA Home Loan Benefits. Un-remarried spouses of veterans who died while on active duty or from a service-connected disability are eligible. You will show that you are receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. If you do not receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation you will need a copy of the DD 1300 (Report of Casualty) from the military and a copy of your marriage certificate.

Certificate of Eligibility

The VA Certificate of Eligibility verifies to a lender that you are eligible to obtain a VA home loan. As a VA-Approved Lender, Security America Mortgage can submit your request for Certificate of Eligibility through the Veterans Affairs automated system and obtain it for you in a few minutes. You can also obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility directly from the VA by completing VA Form 26-1880, this process can take several weeks to complete.

Starting the VA Loan Process

It’s important to note that you don’t need your VA Certificate of Eligibility to start the VA home loan process. Security America Mortgage can pre-approve a VA home loan you and obtain the VA COE on your behalf in just a few short minutes.