Determining your eligibility

A Veterans Affairs loan is a benefit that's not extended to just anybody. To qualify, you must have completed one of the following:

  • 90 consecutive days of military service during wartime.
  • 181 consecutive days of service during peacetime.
  • Six years of service in the Reserves or National Guard.

Some surviving spouses of service members also are eligible for the VA loan program.

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Getting your certificate

So, you're sure you qualify? Then, there are three possible ways to obtain your certificate of eligibility, that important first step toward getting your loan and buying the home of your dreams:

  • Through a lender. Lenders that work with the VA have access to a special database where they can look you up and get you the documentation quickly.

Find a Lender: Check Your Eligibility With Veterans United Home Loans.

  • Apply online. Go to the eBenefits portal operated by the departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense to apply for your certificate.

  • Use snail-mail. You can print out an application form, fill it out, mail it off — and wait for the paperwork.

Understanding your certificate

Once you've got your certificate, you probably won't have much trouble deciphering what's on it. There's all the basic stuff: your name, Social Security number, branch of the service, etc., etc., etc.

But look for an important two-digit number: the VA loan entitlement code. It puts you into a category of borrowers, and part of what the code indicates is whether you're exempt from paying the VA funding fee.

One final point about the certificate of eligibility: Just because you've got yours, don't assume you have a lock on getting a VA loan. Your home will still have to pass a VA appraisal, and your credit will still have to pass muster with a lender.

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Where to start

The first step is to determine your eligibility and get your certificate to prove it. Check Your Eligibility Now With Veterans United Home Loans.

And, take a look at today's best mortgage rates where you are:

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About the Author

Doug Whiteman

Doug Whiteman

Former Editor-in-Chief

Doug Whiteman was formerly the editor-in-chief of MoneyWise. He has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and CNBC.com and has been interviewed on Fox Business, CBS Radio and the syndicated TV show "First Business."

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Disclaimer

The content provided on MoneyWise is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.

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