VA Loan Spouse Requirements: Can A Spouse Get A VA Loan?

VA loans are mortgages for current military members, veterans and their families. A VA loan has numerous benefits, including low interest rates and no down payment requirements.

If you’re an eligible spouse of a service member, you may be able to take advantage of these benefits. But it helps to understand how VA loan spouse requirements work before you apply.

Can A Surviving Spouse Get A VA Loan?

Yes, if you’re the surviving spouse of an active duty service member or veteran, you may be able to qualify for a VA loan. But first, you’ll need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to show your lender that you meet the requirements. 

To qualify for a COE, at least one of the following statements must be true:

• The veteran is missing in action or a prisoner of war (POW)
• The veteran died in service or from a service-related disability and you didn’t remarry. If you did remarry, there may be some exceptions if you meet specific criteria.
• The veteran was completely disabled before their death and their death was not caused by their disability (in certain situations).

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also has credit score requirements you’ll need to meet. These requirements tend to be more lenient than other types of loans, though your lender can set their own guidelines. 

Can A Living Service Member’s Spouse Get A VA Loan?

If you’re the spouse of a living active-duty service member or veteran, you may be eligible for a VA loan as a co-signer or co-borrower. Your spouse will need to meet certain requirements to receive their COE. The specific requirements will depend on their branch, active status or time they served.

VA Loan Benefits For Spouses

Here are some of the biggest benefits a VA loan can offer spouses and surviving spouses:

• No down payment requirements: There are no down payment requirements when you take out a VA loan, which can make the path to homeownership easier.
• Low interest rates: VA loans tend to come with low interest rates and more favorable terms than other types of loans.
• No PMI: Unlike conventional loans, VA loans don’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20% – or you don’t make one at all.
• Flexible credit requirements: VA loans come with more flexible credit requirements than other types of mortgages.
• Options to refinance: If you need to refinance in the future, you can take advantage of the VA cash-out refinance or the VA IRRRL Streamline Refinance.

How To Get A Certificate Of Eligibility (COE)

If you’re an eligible surviving spouse, you’ll need to request a COE either online through the VA’s eBenefits portal, by mail to your regional loan center or through your lender. There are a few forms you’ll need. If available, you’ll need the veteran’s discharge documents (DD214). If you’re receiving Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you’ll need to fill out VA Form 26-1817. If you’re not receiving DIC benefits, you’ll need to complete Form 21P-534EZ and provide a copy of your marriage license and the veteran’s death certificate.

How Divorce Can Affect A VA Loan

VA loans are designed to provide an affordable path to homeownership for veterans. So even if your former spouse is a service member, you’re not eligible to apply for a new VA loan. It can get complicated if you and your former spouse share a current VA loan due to the VA’s strict occupancy requirements.

If you’re a co-signer on the loan, you’re eligible to continue remaining in the home without the service member. But the service member won’t be able to restore their entitlement until you either refinance or pay off the loan. If you’re not a co-signer, you won’t be able to stay in the home if the veteran moves out.

FAQs About VA Loan Spouse Requirements

Is a spouse required to be on a VA loan?

Qualified service members are not required to add their spouse to the mortgage. But adding a co-signer can increase the amount they qualify for and yield better terms.

Can my spouse use my income for a VA loan?

Yes, the VA allows spouses to co-sign for loans, so you can use your spouse’s income to qualify for a VA loan.

Can a spouse use a VA loan without the Veteran?

If you meet the VA’s requirements, then your non-military spouse can share your entitlement.

Can a non-military spouse assume a VA loan?

Yes, VA loans are assumable, so a non-military spouse can take over a VA loan even if they aren’t qualified to apply for one themselves. However, the lender will need to approve the assumption first.

The Bottom Line

If your spouse is a current or former service member and you’re looking to buy a home, you may want to take advantage of a VA loan. And you still may be able to apply even if you’re a surviving spouse. However, you may want to explore the differences between VA and conventional loans before applying to see what option is best for you.