Who May Be Eligible?

VA home loan eligibility can apply to Veterans, active duty service members, certain National Guard and Reserve members, and eligible surviving spouses. The exact service requirements depend on when and how you served.

What Is A Certificate Of Eligibility?

The Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, tells the lender that VA recognizes your service based eligibility. It may also show entitlement information and funding fee exemption status.

You can request a COE online through VA, by mail, or through many lenders. A lender can often help retrieve it during pre approval.

Eligibility Is Not The Same As Approval

A COE does not guarantee loan approval. To get financing, you still need to meet VA and lender requirements for credit, income, occupancy, debt, assets, and property approval.

Plain English: The COE answers "Did I earn access to the benefit?" Underwriting answers "Does this loan work based on the borrower, home, and guidelines?"

What To Prepare

  • DD214 if you are a Veteran
  • Statement of service if you are active duty
  • Recent paystubs, W-2s, or other income documents
  • Bank statements and asset documentation
  • Information about any current mortgage or VA loan