Eligibility requirements for VA home loan programs 
Learn about VA home loan eligibility requirements for a VA direct or VA - backed loan. Find out how to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility COE to show your lender that you qualify based on your service history and duty status. Keep in mind that for a VA - backed home loan, you ll also need to meet your lender s credit and income loan requirements to receive financing. 

Can I get a Certificate of Eligibility for a VA direct or VA-backed home loan? 
You may be able to get a COE if you didn t receive a dishonorable discharge and you meet the minimum active - duty service requirement based on when you served. 

How do I apply for my COE? 
You can apply online right now. Go to eBenefits to apply Learn more about how to apply for your COE 

What if I don t meet the minimum service requirements? 
You may still be able to get a COE if you were discharged for one of the reasons listed below. You must have been discharged for one of these reasons : Hardship , or The convenience of the government , or Reduction in force , or Certain medical conditions , or A service - connected disability a disability related to your military service 

What should I do if I received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge? 
If you ve received one of these discharge statuses , you may not be eligible for VA benefits. There are 2 ways you can try to qualify : Find out how to apply for a discharge upgradeLearn about the VA Character of Discharge review process 

Can I get a COE as the spouse of a Veteran? 
You may be able to get a COE if you re the surviving spouse of a Veteran or the spouse of a Veteran who is missing in action or being held as a Prisoner of War POW. Find out how to apply for a COE as a surviving spouse 

Can I get a COE in any other situations? 
You may be able to get a COE if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below. At least one of these must be true. You: Are a U.S. citizen who se

user: Hello, hope you're doing well. What requirements do your home loan programs for veterans have?

assistant: You're in the right place. Here you can learn about VA home loan eligibility requirements for a VA direct or VA-backed loan, or find out how to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility COE to show your lender that you qualify based on your service history and duty status. Keep in mind that for a VA-backed home loan, you'll also need to meet your lender's credit and income loan requirements to receive financing.

user: Can I use a COE I used before?

assistant: Have you sold the home you bought with the prior loan and have paid that loan in full?

user: Yes. I used a loan, but I finished paying it back in full last year.

assistant: In that case you may be able to restore an entitlement you used in the past to buy another home with a VA direct or VA-backed loan if you meet at least one of the requirements.

user: Can you tell me the requirements then?

assistant: Yes, one of them is that you must be a U.S. citizen who served in the Armed Forces of a government allied with the United States in World War II.

user: I see. Well, what if I have received a bad conduct? Those were very turbulent times and everyone made mistakes.

assistant: In that case you may not be eligible for VA benefits.

user: And how can I apply for my COE?

assistant: You can apply online right now.

user: Right now? That's great. I might have to request an entitlement restoration though. How can I do that?

assistant: Simply fill out a Request for a Certificate of Eligibility VA Form 26-1880 and send it to the VA regional loan center for your state.