Most U.S. Veterans are eligible for a VA loan, but they aren't the only people who can qualify for this very attractive type of home loan. Others who may be eligible include:
- Active-duty members of the military
- Members of the Selected Reserve
- Members of the National Guard
- Eligible surviving spouses of veterans who died while in U.S. military service or from a service-connected disability or who are missing in action (MIA) or prisoners of war (POW). Surviving spouses of veterans who died from non-service connected causes may also be eligible if certain conditions are met.
- Servicemembers in certain organizations, such as Public Health Service officers, cadets at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, officers of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, merchant seaman with World War II service, and others
Service requirements
These are for reference only. A loanDepot senior mortgage banker and the VA Eligibility Center can provide more information for your specific eligibility.
A veteran is eligible for VA home loan benefits if he or she served on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard after September 15, 1940, and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable after either:
- 90 days or more, any part of which occurred during wartime
- 181 continuous days or more (peacetime)
Two-year requirement: A greater length of service is required for veterans who:
- Enlisted (and service began) after September 7, 1980
- Entered service as an officer after October 16, 1981
These veterans must have completed either:
- 24 continuous months of active duty
- The full period for which called or ordered to active duty, but not less than 90 days (any part during wartime) or 181 continuous days (peacetime)
Reservists and National Guard members must have completed at least six years of service unless released earlier due to a service-connected disability. The applicant must have received an honorable discharge from such service unless he or she is either in an inactive status awaiting final discharge or still serving in the Reserves or Guard.
Eligibility for a VA-guaranteed home loan includes that the Veteran must have satisfactory credit, sufficient income and a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The home must be the Veteran’s principal residence.
A loanDepot licensed loan officer can help with these and any other lending questions. Call (888) 983-3240 to speak with one today.
Updated: Dec. 21, 2017
