4 Easy Checks To Verify VA Loan Eligibility

Welcome Home! Thank you for your service!

Did you know that a VA guaranteed loan is available to past and present members of the military or surviving spouses that meet specific guidelines and time-in-service requirements? It's true!  VA is also strict about not backing a loan for a service member, veteran or spouse that does not meet their requirements. Buyers will also need to meet lender requirements like debt to income ratio (DTI) and credit scores, as well as the VA requirements. See if you or your loved one(s) meets the requirements listed below in order to use your VA home loan benefits.

1) Are You Currently On Active Duty Or A Veteran That Was Active?

Active duty in the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy or the Coast Guard after September 15, 1940 and were discharged (other than dishonorable)  qualify with the following requirements:

90 consecutive days during wartime
OR
181 consecutive days during peacetime

Veteran who served after September 7, 1980 or as an officer after October 16, 1981 qualify with the following requirements:

24 consecutive months of active duty
OR
the full enlistment period on active duty but not less than 90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime

2) Are You Currently In The Reserves Or National Guard?

Reserve or National Guard members and veterans from the Gulf War my be eligible if they served 90 days or more of active duty during that period. If not, they must have 6 years of service. 

3) Are You A Surviving Spouse? 

A surviving spouse of a veteran which died on active duty or from a disability related to military service is eligible to use the Veteran's home loan benefits - as long as they are unmarried.

A remarried, surviving spouse, after age 57 and after December 16, 2003 may be eligible for using the VA home loan benefit. If you remarried prior to December 16, 2003, VA states you are not eligible to use the benefit.

A surviving spouse of a POW/MIA for 90 days or more can use the benefit one time only. 

* Surviving spouses are exempt from paying the VA Funding Fee

4) Are You Unsure If Your Situation Qualifies? 
Other professions and statuses may be eligible for using VA home loan benefits. Contact me to see if your profession fits into the Other VA category. Some exceptions may need to be reviewed by VA if the discharge was other than honorable or if the service requirements are not met due to a medical discharge.


Want to learn more about using your VA home loan benefits? 
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Continue reading
Benefits of Using A VA Home Loan
5 Steps To Purchase A Home Using VA Benefits
How To Prove Military Service To Qualify For Veteran Benefits
3 Simple Steps To Get Pre-Qualified

Ready to move forward and purchase a home?
Contact Me to discuss your situation and be put in touch with expert VA Lender Specialists. If you are outside of
​Where I Serve in Arizona and need a Real Estate Agent or Lender, I can also assist you find someone in your area!