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: You tell me, I wanted to know what I need to be able to get approved. So how can you help?

assistant: We can help you learn about VA home loan eligibility requirements for a VA direct or VA-backed loan, we can help you find out how to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility 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: ok, how do I go on with this if I had a VA loan before?

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

user: no that didn't happen

assistant: Will a qualified Veteran-transferee agrees to assume your loan and substitute their entitlement for the same amount of entitlement you used originally ?

user: no way, don't know anyone who would do that

assistant: Have you repaid your prior loan in full but haven't sold the home you bought with that loan ?

user: no I haven't

assistant: You will not be able to use a COE you used before.

user: so the reuse of a COE is a no and there are no more requirements I can answer?

assistant: Yes, that is right. You did not meet the requirements

user: would a dishonorable discharge hurt me in this?

assistant: Have you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge?