VA Loan Requirements for Surviving Spouses

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VA Loan Requirements for Surviving Spouses

The Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program was created to help veterans and their families buy a home. In some cases, this benefit extends to surviving spouses. So, family members who have lost a spouse who served in the U.S. military may be eligible to use this program to purchase, refinance, or preserve a home. But some criteria must be met. The process involves learning about your spouse’s service history, your marital status, and how to submit an application with the necessary documents.

What Makes a VA Loan Surviving Spouse Eligibility?

To qualify for a VA loan as a surviving spouse, the Department of Veterans Affairs must confirm that your spouse’s death is connected to their military service or their VA-rated disability status. This eligibility isn’t automatic—it must be verified based on federal guidelines.

You may be eligible if:

  • Your spouse died while on active duty.
  • Your spouse died as a result of a service-connected disability.
  • Your spouse was rated by the VA as totally and permanently disabled for at least 10 years before their death, or for at least 5 years after discharge.
  • Your spouse was a former prisoner of war and was rated disabled for at least 1 year before death.
  • You are the unremarried spouse of a service member who is missing in action or was a prisoner of war.

These eligibility rules are based on Title 38 of the U.S. Code, which governs veterans’ benefits. The VA will verify your spouse’s records, cause of death, and your relationship to confirm if you meet the criteria. This ensures the benefit is applied only in qualifying cases.

Military Service Conditions That Qualify the Deceased Veteran

In addition to certifying the cause of death, the VA reviews the veteran’s military service history. This is also to determine if the veteran meets minimum service requirements. These requirements vary depending on when and how the veteran served.

For most spouses, the veteran must have:

  • At least 90 days of active duty during wartime.
  • At least 181 days of continuous active duty during peacetime.
  • At least six years of meritorious service in the National Guard or Reserves, and be honorably discharged or killed in action.

The veteran must have received a discharge status other than dishonorable. This information is important because a misdemeanor or dishonorable discharge disqualifies the veteran from receiving benefits.

The required proof of service is usually a DD Form 214. If this document is not available, the VA can request it from the National Archives.

Rules for Remarried Surviving Spouses

When applying for a VA loan, your marital status is also taken into account. If you remarry after your spouse dies, you may lose access to the loan if certain conditions are met.

You may be able to get a loan if:

  • You did not remarry after your spouse died.
  • You remarried after turning 57, and the remarriage occurred on or after December 16, 2003.

If you remarried before you turned 57, the VA may deny you the right to receive a loan. But there is an exception: if the marriage ended in divorce, annulment, or the death of your spouse, you may still be able to receive a loan. You will just need to provide documentation to prove it. These rules are set by federal law and cannot be changed.

Do Surviving Spouses Need a Certificate of Eligibility?

Each surviving spouse must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. This is the official confirmation that you are eligible for a loan. It also signals to the lender that the VA guarantees the loan.

A COE is required for both home purchase loans and refinances. Lenders cannot issue or underwrite a VA loan without this certificate. It confirms that the VA has reviewed your documents and approved your application.

Veterans can apply online for a COE. Surviving spouses must complete a paper application and submit it to the VA.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

To get your Certificate of Eligibility, you need to submit VA Form 26-1817. This form is specifically for unmarried surviving spouses applying for VA loan eligibility. You can download it from the VA website or request a copy by mail.

Once the form is complete, mail it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Loan Eligibility Center

P.O. Box 100034

Decatur, GA 30031

If you’re working with a VA-approved lender, they can often assist with submitting the COE request on your behalf. This may speed up the process since lenders are familiar with the paperwork.

Once the VA reviews your form and supporting documents, they will issue your COE. Processing time depends on the completeness of your application and whether any records are missing or require verification.

Documents Required to Apply for a COE

To get a Certificate of Eligibility for a VA loan, you need to collect and submit documents that prove your eligibility for this assistance. They must include information about your relationship to the veteran and that his service meets VA requirements. Without these documents, the process simply will not work, so it is better to prepare in advance.

Typically, you need a completed VA Form 26-1817, a marriage certificate to prove your marriage to the veteran, a death certificate of the veteran, his DD Form 214 or other service documents, and, if the death is not service-related, a letter from the VA about his disability. If some documents are missing, still apply — the VA may receive some of the papers themselves. The main thing is to save copies of what you send so you do not have to search for them again later.

Starting the VA Loan Process as a Surviving Spouse

Once you have a COE, you can apply. The process is similar to any type of mortgage, except for some specific requirements and steps required by the Veterans Administration (VA).

Here is the step-by-step process:

  1. Contact a VA-approved mortgage lender and provide your Certificate of Intent (COE).
  2. Submit income statements, tax returns, credit reports, and debt information.
  3. Get pre-approved for a specific loan amount.
  4. Find a primary residence that meets VA minimum property requirements.
  5. Complete the purchase agreement and schedule a VA appraisal through your lender.
  6. Complete underwriting and close on the home purchase.

During the process, the lender verifies financial stability, debt-to-income ratio, and VA eligibility.

The VA agrees to pay back part of the loan, which reduces the risk for lenders. This offers better terms, including the possibility of a 0% down payment in most cases.

VA Loan Options Available to Surviving Spouses

Surviving spouses can access a range of VA loan products, depending on their financial goals and current housing situation. The VA backs each loan option and comes with distinct features.

Here are the main options:

  • VA Purchase Loan: Buy a home with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates.
  • Cash-Out Refinance Loan: Refinance your current loan and tap into the equity of your home to access cash for major expenses.
  • Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL): Lower your monthly payment or interest rate if you already have a VA loan.
  • Native American Direct Loan (NADL): Available to surviving spouses who are Native American and live on federally recognized tribal land.

Each loan type has specific qualifications and documentation requirements. Your lender can explain which product makes the most sense based on your goals and financial profile.

These loans are designed to help families keep or gain housing stability under fair and manageable terms.

Funding Fee Exemption and Loan Entitlement Rules

One of the big perks for a surviving spouse is that you are exempt from paying the VA financing fee, which is typically between 1.4% and 3.6% of the loan amount. This can save you thousands of dollars when buying a home. Plus, you retain full eligibility for the VA loan, meaning the government guarantees up to 25% of the loan amount with no set dollar limit, as long as your eligibility is not used up.

If you have already used this benefit but have paid off the loan or sold your home, you may be able to reinstate your VA loan by simply filing a reinstatement request with the VA. Knowing these details will help you better plan your home purchase and take advantage of all the benefits available to you.

Do the Surviving Spouses Qualify for Other Benefits Besides VA Loans?

Surviving spouses may also be eligible for other VA benefits. These are designed to provide financial assistance and long-term support.

Here are some of the major programs:

  • Dependents’ Compensation (DIC) is a monthly payment for the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or due to a service-related illness. These payments are tax-free.
  • Survivors’ Retirement Pension is cash assistance for low-income spouses. To qualify, you must meet income and asset requirements.
  • Education and Training (Chapter 35 DEA) is support for attending college, trade school, or training. Payments help cover the cost of education.
  • Burial Benefits are assistance with funeral expenses, a memorial, and burial in a VA national cemetery.

You can apply for these programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) online portal or by contacting a veterans service organization.

Where to Get Help with the VA Loan Application Process

Navigating the VA loan process for survivors of veterans can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone — there are organizations ready to help you every step of the way. These agencies know the rules and procedures and can walk you through the entire process from application to approval. The most important thing is not to be shy about asking for help, especially if this is your first time dealing with these issues.

Helpful resources include the VA Regional Mortgage Centers (877-827-3702), which can answer your questions, and veterans’ organizations like the DAV, VFW, and American Legion, which offer free application assistance. Some counties have local VA offices that can help you in person. It’s also a good idea to look for VA-approved lenders who are familiar with the intricacies of applying for surviving spouses. The sooner you seek help, the fewer mistakes and delays you’ll encounter. Be sure to choose a VA-approved lender.

Conclusion

If you are the surviving spouse of a service member, you may be eligible to apply for a VA loan with no funding fee and a fully guaranteed loan. To get started, get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by completing VA Form 26-1817 and attaching copies of your marriage certificate, death certificate, and DD-214. If you are missing any documents, apply anyway; the VA may request the missing information on its own.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Call your VA regional center at 877-827-3702, contact an accredited veterans organization (VSO) like DAV or American Legion, or choose a VA-approved lender to help you with the application process. A clear plan and support can help you take advantage of the benefits that are rightfully your family’s.