VA Loan Articles
News, updates, and explanations to keep you informed.
Eligibility for a VA Home Loan
Your VA home loan journey starts with VA Form 26-1880-- the application for a Department of Veterans Affairs Certificate of Eligibility. Who must use this form to begin the VA loan application process? Everyone eligible to use the benefit including veterans, those on active duty, plus members of the Guard and Reserve. Surviving spouses of vets who died on active duty or as a result of military service must also apply for eligibility using the VA Form 26-1880 or its online equivalent.
Filling out VA form 26-1880 may look simple, but unfortunately it’s not completely standardized. Some applicants may apply for a Department of VA Certificate of Eligibility for a VA home loan on line, at the bank, or by mail. Some applicants may only apply by mail.
Veterans, active duty service members, Reservists and National Guard members who served or currently serve on active duty can apply either online, by mail or via the lender. You can apply online by visiting the
Veterans Information Portal at and following the instructions listed there.
VA mortgage applicants can also apply through the lender in many cases. Be sure to ask in advance what paperwork you’ll need to get this done through your bank, or visit the
Department of Veterans Affairs official site for the required "evidence" needed to apply at the bank. If you prefer to apply via U.S. Mail, fill out
VA Form 26-1880.
Mail it to the address specified on the form.
Reservists and National Guard members who never served on active duty can apply for VA Certificate of Eligibility for a VA home loan in the same way as mentioned above, though rules for "evidence" may be different.
WHO MUST APPLY VIA U.S. MAIL
Surviving spouses of those who died while on duty or as a result of that military service don’t have all the options listed above. At press time, the only available means of applying for a surviving spouse is to submit a VA Form 26-1880 by mail. The form is available online for download or you may request a form be mailed to you by calling 1-888-244-6711. Follow the prompts and your form will be mailed to you shortly.
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