Who Is Eligible To Obtain A VA Loan?
Most veterans must complete a minimum term of qualifying active-duty service to be eligible for a VA loan, though this requirement does have a few exceptions. The minimum term of service varies depending on the dates of that service.
Veterans serving from August 2, 1990 through The Present Day
Veterans who served from August 2, 1990 through the present day must have completed 24 months of continuous service or a full period of at least 90 days during which they were called or ordered to active duty.
Veterans serving from September 8, 1980 through August 1, 1990
Veterans who served from September 8, 1980, through August 1, 1990, must have completed 24 months of continuous service or a full period of at least 181 days of active duty. The beginning date that applies to officers for this requirement is October 17, 1981.
Veterans serving from May 8, 1975 through September 7, 1980
Veterans who served from May 8, 1975, through September 7, 1980, must have completed 181 continuous days of active duty. The ending date that applies to officers for this requirement is October 16, 1981.
Veterans serving from August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975
Veterans who served from August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975, must have completed 90 days of active duty. The beginning date that applies to veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam for this requirement is February 28, 1961.
Veterans serving from February 1, 1955 through August 4, 1964
Veterans who served from February 1, 1955 through August 4, 1964 must have completed 181 continuous days of active duty.
Veterans serving from June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955
Veterans who served from June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955 must have completed 90 days of active duty.
Veterans serving from July 26, 1947 through June 26, 1950
Veterans who served from July 26, 1947 through June 26, 1950 must have completed 181 continuous days of active duty.
Veterans serving from September 16, 1940 through July 25, 1947
Veterans who served from September 16, 1940 through July 25, 1947 must have completed 90 days of active duty.
Additional eligibility requirements for veterans
Veterans who were discharged due to hardship, government convenience, reduction-in- force, certain medical conditions or a disability connected to military service can be eligible for a VA loan even if they don’t meet the minimum term of service requirement. Veterans who were dishonorably discharged are not eligible for the VA home loan program.