To qualify for a VA loan, you or your spouse must meet the minimum service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and satisfy the lender's credit and income requirements.

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Service Requirements

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You may qualify for a VA loan by meeting one or more of the following service requirements:

• 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime

• 181 days of active service during peacetime

• 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves, or 90 days (at least 30 of them consecutively) under Title 32 orders

• Spouse of a service member who died while serving or due to a service-related disability

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Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

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Once you have met the service requirements, you can apply for a COE from the VA. This certificate proves that you are eligible for a VA loan.

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Lender Requirements

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In addition to the VA's requirements, lenders also have their own credit and income requirements for VA loans. These requirements may vary from lender to lender.