Who Is Eligible for a VA Loan? Understanding VA Loan Eligibility Requirements

The VA Loan is one of the most valuable benefits available to U.S. military service members, veterans, and certain eligible spouses. Offering zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates, this program makes homeownership more accessible for those who have served our country.

VA Eligibility, who exactly qualifies for a VA Loan? While most civilians are not eligible, there are specific groups—including veterans, active-duty personnel, and surviving spouses—who can take advantage of this powerful mortgage benefit.

If you’re considering using a VA Loan in North Carolina—whether in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Apex, or Holly Springs—this guide will help you understand eligibility requirements and how to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?

To qualify for a VA Loan, you must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Active-Duty Service Members

If you are currently serving in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for a VA Loan after 90 continuous days of active service.

2. Veterans

Veterans who have been honorably discharged can use the VA Loan benefit. The minimum service requirement depends on when you served:

• During wartime: At least 90 days of active duty

• During peacetime: At least 181 days of active duty

• Reservists and National Guard members: At least six years of service (or 90 days if called to active duty)

If you meet these time-in-service requirements, you can use a VA Loan even after transitioning to civilian life.

3. National Guard and Reserve Members

If you are in the National Guard or Reserves, you must have at least six years of service to qualify. However, if you were activated for at least 90 days of federal active duty, you may qualify sooner.

4. Surviving Spouses

Certain surviving spouses of deceased service members can qualify for a VA Loan if their spouse:

✔️ Died in service or from a service-connected disability
✔️ Is listed as Missing in Action (MIA) or a Prisoner of War (POW)
✔️ Was disabled due to a service-related condition before passing

Surviving spouses must not have remarried (in most cases) to maintain eligibility.

Who Is NOT Eligible for a VA Loan?

With very few exceptions, civilians who have never served in the military are not eligible for a VA Loan. This includes:

❌ Individuals who did not serve in any branch of the U.S. military
❌ Spouses of veterans who do not meet the surviving spouse requirements
❌ Service members discharged dishonorably

If you are not eligible for a VA Loan, other options—such as FHA, USDA, or Conventional Loans—may be available depending on your financial situation.

How to Prove Your VA Loan Eligibility: The Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

To use your VA Loan, you need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This document confirms your time in service and the amount of VA Loan entitlement available to you.

How to Get Your COE

There are three main ways to obtain your COE:

1. Online Through the VA eBenefits Portal

The fastest way to get your COE is through the VA’s eBenefits website. You can log in and submit a request online.

2. Through Your Lender

Most VA-approved lenders (including Certified Home Loans in North Carolina) can request your COE on your behalf. This is often the simplest and quickest option.

3. By Mail

You can also apply for a COE by completing VA Form 26-1880 and mailing it to the VA. However, this method takes the longest and is generally not recommended unless necessary.

VA Eligibility: How Much VA Loan Entitlement Do You Have?

Your COE will also show how much VA Loan entitlement you have left.

First-Time VA Loan Users

If this is your first time using a VA Loan, you have full entitlement, meaning no loan limits apply (as long as you meet lender requirements).

Using a VA Loan Again? Understanding Remaining Entitlement

If you’ve used a VA Loan before, you may still have remaining entitlement—or you might need to restore your full entitlement. This depends on whether:

✔️ You’ve paid off your previous VA Loan (you can apply for entitlement restoration)
✔️ You still have an active VA Loan (you may be limited in how much you can borrow)
✔️ You sold a home with a VA Loan but didn’t restore entitlement

If you’re unsure about your entitlement status, your lender can review your COE and help you determine how much VA Loan benefit you have left.

Why Work With a VA-Approved Lender in North Carolina?

VA Loans have unique requirements and benefits, so it’s important to work with a lender who understands the process. At Certified Home Loans, we specialize in VA Loans in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Apex, and Holly Springs, ensuring that service members and veterans receive the best mortgage options available.

Whether you’re purchasing your first home, refinancing, or restoring your VA Loan entitlement, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Contact us today to see how we can help you secure your VA Loan and achieve homeownership in North Carolina!