VETERAN BENEFIT

Are You EligibleFor a VA Loan?The Complete Guide

The most powerful home loan benefit earned through service— 0% down, no PMI, competitive rates.

$0
Down Payment
No
PMI Required
Unlimited
Loan Amount*
Check Your Eligibility(602) 753-9600
Official sources:VA.gov EligibilityVA Funding FeeVA Home LoansCFPB Home Guide
Eligibility Overview

Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?

VA loan eligibility is based on your service history, duty status, and character of discharge. You must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove you meet the VA's requirements.

Active Duty

Currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces

90+ continuous days

Veterans

Honorably discharged from military service

Varies by era served

National Guard

Army or Air National Guard members

90 days or 6 years

Reserves

Selected Reserve members

90 days or 6 years

Minimum Service Requirements

Based on when and how you served

CategoryMinimum Service Requirement
Service MembersAt least 90 continuous days of active duty
VeteransService requirements vary based on the era in which you served
National Guard
  • • 90 days of non-training active-duty Title 10 service, OR
  • • 90 days active duty including 30+ consecutive days (per DD214), OR
  • • 6 creditable years of service
Reserve Members
  • • 90 days of non-training active-duty service, OR
  • • 6 creditable years in the Selected Reserve

Source: VA.gov Eligibility Requirements

Surviving Spouses

Surviving spouses of service members who died in service or from a service-connected disability may be eligible for a VA loan. Additionally, spouses of service members who are missing in action (MIA) or being held as a prisoner of war (POW) may qualify.

Learn about surviving spouse eligibility
Official VA Videos

Learn fromThe Source

Official training videos from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—straight from the agency that runs the program.

Now Playing

Overview of VA Home Loans and How to Apply

Official overview of VA housing assistance benefits and the application process.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs6 min
Official VA video—not a lender advertisement

Video Playlist

6 official VA videos

All videos from official VA YouTube channel

Zero Down Payment

VA loans offer 100% financing—no down payment required for most borrowers.

No PMI Required

Unlike conventional loans, VA loans don't require private mortgage insurance—saving you hundreds per month.

Reusable Benefit

Your VA loan benefit can be used multiple times throughout your lifetime—it's not a one-time benefit.

Financial Requirements

Credit, Income & DTI

Beyond service requirements, you must demonstrate you're a satisfactory credit risk with stable income to repay the loan. The VA and your lender will evaluate your financial profile.

Credit Score

The VA has no minimum credit score requirement. However, most lenders require around 620.

Common lender minimums:
620
Most lenders

Lower scores may qualify with strong compensating factors.

Debt-to-Income (DTI)

The VA suggests a 41% DTI guideline—but this is not a hard limit.

VA guideline:
41%
of gross income

Higher DTI may be approved with strong residual income.

Residual Income

Money left over after paying mortgage, taxes, and debts. Unique to VA loans.

Varies by:
  • • Geographic region
  • • Family size
  • • Loan amount

Often more important than DTI for VA underwriting.

Why Residual Income Matters

Residual income is a unique feature of the VA loan program. It ensures you have enough money left over each month to cover your family's essential living expenses after making your mortgage payment.

The VA has established residual income guidelines that vary based on your family size and geographic region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West).

Important Note

If your DTI exceeds 41%, you must meet residual income requirements that are 20% above the standard minimums. Strong residual income can offset higher DTI ratios.

See VA residual income charts and requirements
Choose Your State

Ready to Get Started?

Select your state to explore VA loan options and connect with a VA-approved lender in your area.

🌵

Arizona

VA Loans Available

Explore Options

Not sure yet? Keep reading to learn about the VA funding fee and common questions.

Understanding Costs

The VAFunding Fee

The VA funding fee is a one-time payment that helps offset the cost of the VA loan program to taxpayers. Some veterans are exempt from this fee.

Funding Fee Rates (2024-2026)

Varies by service, down payment, and usage

First-time use, 0% down2.15%
Regular military
First-time use, 5%+ down1.5%
Reduced with down payment
First-time use, 10%+ down1.25%
Competitive rates available
Subsequent use, 0% down3.3%
Regular military

Source: VA.gov Funding Fee

Who Is Exempt?

  • Veterans receiving VA disability compensation
  • Veterans entitled to receive compensation (but getting retirement or active-duty pay instead)
  • Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disability
  • Purple Heart recipients serving on active duty

Good to Know

  • The funding fee can be rolled into the loan—no out-of-pocket cost at closing
  • Reserves and National Guard pay slightly higher rates for first-time use
  • Even with the fee, VA loans typically save money vs. conventional loans with PMI
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about VA loan eligibility.

Read full eligibility details at VA.gov
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Ready to Use YourVA Loan Benefit?

Connect with a VA-approved lender who understands military families. We'll help you every step of the way.

Start Your Application(602) 753-9600

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