VA Home Loans

Eligibility

You are eligible for a VA loan if you are in one of seven categories.

1. War—90 Days

   Two ways to be eligible in this category:
   • You served 90 days in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War.

   • You served in the Gulf War (Iraq or Afghanistan) for the full period of your call-up (at least 90 days).

2. Peace—181 Days

   You served 181 active duty days during peacetime.

3. Since Aug. 2, 1990—2 Years

   You served two years of continuous active duty. If you served in the Gulf War (Iraq or Afghanistan) during this time, see Category 1: War—90 Days.

4. Selected Reserves or National Guard—6 Years

   You served six years in either of these services.

5. Active Duty—181 Days

   You have served 181 days of regular active duty.

6. Spouses

   Two ways to be eligible in this category:
   • You are the spouse of a veteran who died while in the service or who died from a service-connected disability, and you have not remarried.
   • You are the spouse of a servicemember who is missing in action or is a prisoner of war.
   
   

7. Other Service

   Two ways to be eligible in this category:
   • You are a U.S. citizen who served in an Allied armed force during World War II.
   • You have service in any of several other organizations, including:
     • Officer in the Public Health Service
     • Cadet at a military-service academy
     • Officer in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
     • Merchant seaman with World War II service.