VA Loans: Are You Eligible for This Powerful Benefit?

For millions of Americans who have served in the military or supported someone who has, VA loans offer an unmatched opportunity to become a homeowner. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, these loans are designed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses.

But who qualifies, and what exactly makes this benefit so powerful?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage option provided by private lenders but guaranteed in part by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Unlike conventional loans, VA loans offer several advantages, including:

No down payment required
No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Competitive interest rates
Limited closing costs
Flexible credit requirements

These benefits are designed to honor the service and sacrifice of those who’ve served our country and to help them build long-term financial stability through homeownership.

Basic VA Loan Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a VA loan, you must meet one of the following military service criteria:

1. Veterans

You are eligible if you:

Served 181 days of active duty during peacetime, or
Served 90 consecutive days during wartime, or
Completed at least 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves

Discharge status matters: You must have an honorable discharge to be eligible. In some cases, a general discharge may still qualify, depending on the circumstances.

2. Active-Duty Service Members

If you’re currently serving in any branch of the military, you’re eligible after:

90 continuous days of active service

This includes full-time duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force. Many active-duty members use VA loans to purchase homes near their current bases, often with the intention of renting them later.

3. National Guard and Reserve Members

Members of the Guard or Reserves become eligible after:

Six years of service, or
Being called to active duty for at least 90 days (Title 10 or Title 32 orders may both count)

Recent updates to VA guidelines have expanded eligibility, making it easier for Guard and Reserve members to qualify, especially those who served during the COVID-19 response or civil unrest operations.

4. Surviving Spouses

Spouses of deceased service members may qualify for a VA loan if:

The service member died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability
The spouse has not remarried (in most cases)
They meet VA guidelines for income, credit, and property type

Spouses who receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) may also qualify without having to pay the VA funding fee.

What You’ll Need to Prove Eligibility

To begin your VA loan application, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. This confirms your service history and whether you meet the minimum criteria.

You can request a COE through:

The VA’s online portal (VA.gov)
A VA-approved lender (like Premiere Mortgage)
Mailing in VA Form 26-1880

Once you have your COE, a lender can assess your full eligibility based on credit score, income, and other factors.

Bonus: You Can Use the Benefit More Than Once

One of the biggest misconceptions is that VA loans are a one-time benefit. That’s not true! You can:

Use it again after selling your previous home and restoring your entitlement
Reuse partial entitlement if you still own your home but want to purchase another home
Even own more than one home with a VA loan in certain cases, if you qualify based on income and entitlement limits

Common Myths About VA Loans

Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:

MYTH: You need perfect credit.
✅ FACT: VA loans are more flexible than conventional loans when it comes to credit score requirements.
MYTH: You can only use it once.
✅ FACT: You can reuse your VA loan benefit multiple times under the right conditions.
MYTH: VA loans take longer to close.
✅ FACT: With a knowledgeable lender, VA loans can close just as fast as conventional loans.

Ready to See If You Qualify?

If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or a surviving spouse, the VA loan program could be the key to unlocking affordable homeownership. With no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates, VA loans provide one of the most generous mortgage options available in the U.S.

At Premiere Mortgage, we specialize in helping service members and their families navigate the VA loan process from start to finish. Our experienced team can help you get prequalified, obtain your Certificate of Eligibility, and find the right loan product for your situation.

👉 Contact Premiere Mortgage today to find out if you’re eligible and take the next step toward owning your home with confidence.