VA Certificate of Eligibility

Before issuing a VA loan, lenders must verify a Veteran’s military service. The VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) serves as proof that the applicant has carried out the minimum service requirements. VA loan eligibility requirements can be determined with a few simple steps, and there are several ways to obtain your COE. Let’s dive into what the VA loan certificate of eligibility is and why you need it.

What is the VA Certificate of Eligibility?

The VA loan Certificate of Eligibility is a critical part of the VA loan process. Along with meeting credit and income requirements, Veterans on the house hunt must supply a valid COE and show evidence of their service. This document proves to the lender that the VA has given the green light to the Veteran’s application and that the VA loan eligibility requirements have been met.

What Are the VA Loan Eligibility Requirements?

In order to satisfy the VA’s requirements, a Veteran must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• At least 181 days of continuous active duty during peacetime
• At least 90 days of active duty during wartime
• At least six years in the Selected Reserve or National Guard

There are exceptions to all of these time frames for Veterans who have been discharged for a service-connected disability. In addition, surviving spouses may be eligible for the VA home loan program.

How Do I Obtain My VA Home Loan COE?

There are several ways to obtain your COE. The team at SoCal VA Homes is happy to take you through the COE process and access it instantly through the Veterans Information Portal. You can also use the VA’s eBenefits Portal to explore your options online, or request a Certificate of Eligibility by mail. If you’re looking for what kind of evidence you’ll need to apply, the VA has a helpful page on which forms are required.

What are VA Entitlement Codes?

At the top of your Certificate of Eligibility, you’ll see a two-digit entitlement code lenders use to determine the nature of your military service. This information is used to ascertain your service requirements and determine whether the VA can waive certain fees. Though this code isn’t meant for borrowers, some Veterans may be interested in what their code means. The codes are as follows:

• 01: World War II
• 02: Korean War
• 03: Post-Korean
• 04: Vietnam War
• 05: Entitlement Restored
• 06: Unremarried Surviving Spouse
• 07: Spouse of POW/MIA
• 08: Post World War II
• 09: Post-Vietnam
• 10: Gulf War (to present)
• 11: Selected Reserves

Code 05, “Entitlement Restored,” refers to when a Veteran has used the VA loan program in the past but has paid off the loan or handed it off to another VA loan-eligible borrower. They can then be eligible for another loan.

Apply for a VA Certificate of Eligibility

As you can see, completing the COE is an important step in getting you the VA loan you deserve. At every step of the VA home loan process, SoCal VA Homes is at-the-ready to provide you with a superior level of service. Apply for your VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility or call us today!