Not everyone qualifies for a VA loan—but if you do, it could be one of the most powerful homebuying tools you have. The VA loan program was created to honor your service and make it easier for you to buy a home without unnecessary financial burdens. In this post, we’ll explain who qualifies, how eligibility is determined, and how to get started.

VA Loan Eligibility Basics

To qualify for a VA loan, you must meet at least one of the following service requirements:

• 90 consecutive days of active duty service during wartime

• 181 days of active duty service during peacetime

• 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves

• You are a surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability

If you meet one of these criteria, you're likely eligible—but you’ll need to request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove it.

Understanding the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The COE is an official VA document that tells lenders you qualify for the VA loan program. Here’s what it shows:

• Your basic eligibility

• How much of your entitlement you’ve used (if any)

• Whether you qualify for a VA funding fee exemption

You can request your COE through:

• A VA-approved lender (fastest method)

• The VA's eBenefits portal

• Mail by submitting VA Form 26-1880

Most veterans get their COE within minutes when working with an experienced VA lender.

What If You Used a VA Loan Before?

Good news: you can use your VA loan benefit more than once! You may be able to:

• Restore your full entitlement after selling the home and paying off the loan

• Use remaining entitlement for another home purchase

• Reuse your benefit even with a previous foreclosure, in some cases

Each situation is different, so it’s important to work with a lender who understands how to calculate remaining or restored entitlement.

Special Cases

There are some unique circumstances where you may still qualify:

• Discharged due to hardship or service-connected disability: You may still be eligible even if you didn’t meet the full service requirements.

• Spouses: Unremarried spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability are eligible.

• Active-duty personnel: You may be eligible while still serving, as long as you meet minimum service time.

Next Steps If You're Eligible

Once you confirm eligibility:

• Request your COE (your lender can help)

• Connect with a VA-savvy real estate agent

• Get pre-approved with a VA lender

• Start house hunting with confidence!

Final Thoughts

Understanding your eligibility is the foundation of unlocking your VA home loan benefit. Whether you served recently or decades ago, this powerful tool is your reward for service and sacrifice. And it can make homeownership more affordable than you ever imagined.

As part of the Compass Military Division, a dedicated group of veterans and military spouses and their families, I’m committed to guiding you every step of the way. From confirming your eligibility to closing on your dream home, you’ll have the support of someone who understands your journey.

I’m Celia Ruiz, your South Florida Regional Director—and I’m honored to serve those who’ve served.

Stay tuned for our next post: "Your VA Entitlement Explained: What It Means and How It Works."