Verifying Eligibility for a VA Home Loan

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How do you verify that you are eligible for a VA loan? You gather the evidence, submit it to the VA, and receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE verifies to the lender that you qualify for a VA-backed loan.

This page describes the evidence you submit to verify your eligibility for a VA home loan and how to submit the evidence and obtain a COE.

Evidence Needed

The evidence you need depends on the nature of your eligibility. Consult the table below to determine your category and the evidence you will need when applying.

Category Evidence to Apply
Veteran, Current or former National Guard or Reserve member who has been activated Federal active service DD form 214 - required ot have a copy showing the character of service (item 24) and the narrative reason for separation (item 28).
Active Duty Servicemember A current statement of service:
  • signed by (or by the direction of):
    the adjutant, personnel office, or commander of the unit or higher headquarters
  • showing:
    Your full name
    Social Security Number
    Date of birth
    Entry date on active duty
    The duration of any lost time
    The name of the command providing the information
Current National Guard or Reserve member who has never been Federal active service Statement of service:
  • signed by (or by the direction of):
    the adjutant, personnel officer or commander of your unit or higher headquarters
  • showing:
    Your full name
    Social Security Number
    Date of birth
    Entry date on duty
    The total number of creditable years of service
    The duration of any lost time
    The name of the command providing the information
Discharged member of the National Guard who has never been activated for Federal active service NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, for each period of National Guard service
-OR-
NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, and proof of the character of service
Discharged member of the Selected Reserve who has never been activated for Federal active service Copy of your latest annual retirement points statement and evidence of honorable service
If you are a Surviving Spouse in Receipt of DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation) benefits

If you're already receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you need to submit a VA form 26-1817 and the veteran's DD214 (if available.)

Put the Servicemember's Social Security number on all documents.

If you are a Surviving Spouse and are not receiving DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation) benefits

Submit the following to the appropriate Compensation and Pension office:

  • VA form 21-534
  • DD214 (if available)
  • Marriage License
  • Death Certificate or DD Form 1300 – Report of Casualty

 

Applying for a COE

After gathering the evidence you need, you can apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the following ways.

Servicemembers, Veterans, and National Guard and Reserve Members

To get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) online, please go to the VA's VETS.GOV website.

Most lenders have access to the Web LGY system. This Internet-based application can establish eligibility and issue an online COE in a matter of seconds. Not all cases can be processed through Web LGY - only those for which VA has sufficient data in our records. However, Veterans are encouraged to ask their lenders about this method of obtaining a certificate.

Surviving Spouses

Spouses can get the necessary forms on the VA's VETS.GOV website or apply through their lender as above.

Take the Next Step

If you're ready to move forward, or just want more information, the first step is to get no-obligation rate quotes.

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