USDA GUS TRAINING

GUS OVERVIEW
Training Objectives:

• GUS – Defined

• Features and Benefits

• Gaining Accessing to GUS

• Lender Request for Approval

• USDA Review and Lender Setup

• User Account Creation

• User Security Privilege Setup

• Accessing GUS

• Logging In and Out of GUS

• Recommended Internet Browsers

• GUS Training and Communication Updates

• Training Resource Library

• GovDelivery signup and notifications
What is the USDA Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS)?

The Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS) is USDA’s automated underwriting system lenders 

use to submit and process loan application requests for the Rural Development Single Family 

Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.

• What does GUS do? 

• GUS is a TOOL! GUS only provides a recommendation. GUS does not replace the judgment of an 

experienced underwriter.

• What does GUS not do? 

• GUS does not decision loans.

Features and Benefits of GUS

• Allows approved USDA lenders to electronically enter, process, and submit loan applications for a 

USDA loan note guarantee. 

• Assists the approved USDA lender in determining a final loan approval decision through the 

utilization of a USDA specific TOTAL scorecard and GUS Rules Engine underwriting recommendation.
GUS Underwriting Recommendations

The GUS Underwriting Recommendation is delivered in two parts. The first portion of 

the Underwriting Recommendation specifically addresses credit, capacity, and 

collateral.

Potential determinations are: 

• Accept: An Accept recommendation indicates that GUS has assessed the loan as an acceptable credit 

risk based on the data entered. May allow lender to submit streamlined documentation.

• Accept: Full documentation - Requires full documentation to be submitted to the agency.

• Refer: GUS has identified risk layers within the loan file. Manual underwriting requirements per HB 1- 3555 apply. 

• Refer with Caution: GUS has identified multiple layers of risk within the loan file. Manual 

underwriting requirements per HB 1-3555 apply. 

• Ineligible: The loan does not meet regulatory requirements. For example, the debt to income ratios 

are too high to qualify for a ratio waiver request. The loan file cannot be submitted to USDA for 

review.
GUS Underwriting Recommendations (continued)

The second part of the underwriting recommendation is specifically for property, income, and 

applicant eligibility.

Potential results include: 

• Eligible: Regulatory requirements are met for property, income, and applicant eligibility. 

• Ineligible: The property may be located in an ineligible area, the applicant may be over 

the adjusted annual income limit, or the applicant may have characteristics that make 

them ineligible.

• Unable to Determine: The property cannot be located with the online mapping 

system. Users should utilize the Contact Us tab for the appropriate contact.
GUS does NOT replace underwriting guidelines...

There are some things that GUS does not assess when reviewing the loan file.

For example:

• GUS does not determine inaccurate calculations or data entry errors.

• GUS does not do an assessment of time in a job, determine if a second job meets 

underwriting requirements or if the income entered is acceptable to use.

• GUS does not determine if the property value entered is accurate.

• GUS does not read the credit report and detect liabilities. 

NOTE:

Once an underwriting recommendation has been rendered, the recommendation is only valid 

if the data entered to support it is accurate and supported. 
Accessing GUS

• Before a Lender can access GUS, they need GUS approval. Approved access to GUS 

requires: 

• A USDA approved LENDER relationship.

• An approved GUS User Agreement

• A USDA approved LENDER AGENT relationship.

• A Lender Agent relationship is only required for correspondents and brokers who are working as 

third-party originators under an approved lender.

• They are not required to have a lender agreement or GUS User Agreement.

• Approved lenders do not have to have a lender agent role or even use lender agents.

• Note: USDA Rural Development (RD) Single Family Housing (SFH) lenders need an active Lender 

Participation Agreement (Form RD 3555-16 or RD 1980-16, “Agreement for Participation in Single 

Family Housing Guaranteed/Insured Loan Programs of the United States Government”).

• Once a Lender gains approval from USDA, user access to GUS requires the lender to: 

• Have each user create and activate an e-Authentication user account ID and password which will be 

linked to the USDA Lender Account.
Log in to GUS: Steps 

Access USDALINC RHS

 https://usdalinc.sc.egov.usda.gov

/RHShome.do

 Select Guaranteed Underwriting 

System and select Go.

Enter eAuthentication Credentials

 Enter your e-Authentication 

User ID and Password

 Select Log in with Password

USDA GUS Home Page

 Successful access will result in 

landing on the GUS HOME page

 User can start an application, 

import an application, search 

existing applications, and access 

help from the main menu
GUS Home Page 

Upon successful log in, the GUS home page will display. The home page includes the 

following messages of interest to users:

Home Page

1. Main tabs on the 

Navigation Bar

2. Browser 

Recommendation

3. Welcome Message

4. Application Buttons
GUS Home Page (continued)

In addition to messaging, the home page contains three actions: 

1. New Application

2. Import Application 

3. Existing Application.
GUS – Logging Out of Application

• In the corner of the system the user’s name displays where logged in users can access additional options. 

When the user selects the drop-down menu next to the user’s name, a pull-down menu becomes 

available (1), then proceed by selecting the applicable option (2). 

Note: 

• The Home option takes the user back to the Home page.

• The system will time users out after 15 minutes of inactivity. To logout at any time, click the Logout option.
USDA LINC: Training and Resource Library and GovDelivery Updates

USDA LINC RHS Page – Training & Resource Library 

provides valuable information broken into 2 key 

areas: 

• GovDelivery Updates

• Please sign up for critical electronic updates

• Visit the webpage and search archived updates

• LINC Training and Resources 

• Contact Us

• Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS)

Note: You can access these pages at 

https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/usda-linc-training-resourcelibrary or through the USDALINC RHS home page and select 

Training and Resource Library under Single Family Guaranteed 

Rural Housing links.
End Slide 

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