New changes passed by Congress and signed by the President have expanded Veteran eligibility and access to VA’s home loan program.

Public Law 116-315, “The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020”

  1. Broadens the timeframe of Veterans qualifying for the Vietnam War era and has been revised to include those who served from November 1, 1955. The previous date was February 28, 1961.
  2. Authorizes benefit access for those service members and Veterans mobilized to perform full-time National Guard duty for not less than 90 cumulative days, including at least 30 days consecutive.
  3. Veterans, service members, and certain surviving spouses with VA-guaranteed home loans in areas that have been declared major disasters by the President and whose residences have been substantially damaged are now eligible to be charged a first time use funding fee on a new VA-guaranteed loan rather than a subsequent use funding fee. The new VA-guaranteed loan must be for the repair or construction of the dwelling and closed within three years of the presidential declaration of the disaster.

For more information about the VA Home Loan Program, visit https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/.

Veterans and service members interested in exploring VA home loan options or applying for a loan are encouraged to contact a mortgage lender of their choosing.

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20 Comments

  1. Mike Horton May 22, 2021 at 16:32

    Is being a 75 year old veteran to old to be eligible for va new home loan. Where do I start? My current residence is or should be considered uninhabitable it dose not have heating or air conditioning but it dise have black mold. I am in Nevada now but a California service member of Vietnam era active duty Navy.

  2. JW Trol May 18, 2021 at 14:00

    Can I get my VA home loan benefits reinstated if I suffered a foreclosure over 10 years ago?

  3. Thomas D Harris May 15, 2021 at 13:29

    Help. I’m at 60% , va wont increase. I have records
    Proof positive i broke my shoulder and was forced to work as a mechanic, diesel for over 2 years. When operation happened the bone was thrown away, calcium scooped out and stitched up.and va denies me and i have two bad shoulders more weight was put on right because left was and still is broken. All i need is a phone number.

  4. Steve May 13, 2021 at 15:15

    Screw all non veterans. Take their houses and let vets move in……..

  5. Perry Rickard May 12, 2021 at 21:25

    I sold a VA loan home in January, 2021. Purchased another home in March, 2021 with a new VA loan and did not use a real estate agent but worked with the owner, current lender and title company. No issues, worked well.

  6. Susan Spahn May 6, 2021 at 13:36

    My husband passed away Feb. 28, 2021. Was I suppose to send a death certificate to receive and
    burial expenses?Also, since my husband served in the Army/Air Force and this home we bought on a VA loan, if I sell, move , I buy another home with a VA loan? Susan Spahn

    • Gary Nolan May 6, 2021 at 15:38

      Yes you can

    • Todd Abelson May 6, 2021 at 23:29

      I’m sorry to read about your loss – My condolences. I hope things go well for your future…
      If your husband died as a result of injuries sustained while on active duty and you are receiving to will soon be receiving DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation), you should have the ability to buy a home using a new VA loan…

  7. Daphne Dahlia May 6, 2021 at 13:35

    After working with the VA lender for 9 weeks. It is definitely NOT WORTH IT. I personally will never go through the VA again in this lifetime.

    • Todd Abelson May 6, 2021 at 23:31

      I don’t know what wringer they put you through, but if you are receiving DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) it should be very easy to request and receive a VA Certificate of Eligibility…

  8. Robert E Crabbe May 6, 2021 at 12:48

    QUESTION:
    Can a VA loan be used by the childern of a veteran?

    • Todd Abelson May 6, 2021 at 23:24

      Unfortunately no, if they will be the only occupant(s) of the property. They could, however, go on the loan with the Veteran if the Veteran was an occupant…

  9. Robert Geiler May 6, 2021 at 12:40

    Divorce temporarily is your only option.

  10. Robert Geiler May 6, 2021 at 12:37

    Divorce. Then get remarried after.

  11. Robert Geiler May 6, 2021 at 12:36

    It’s not real estate, and it is like buying a car. It’s a depreciating asset, and not real estate. That’s why.

  12. SW May 6, 2021 at 12:05

    I was denied the use of my va home loan. Why??? End result is I have bought and paid for my home without it, but I NEVER should have been denied especially after all the GAMES the bank played.

    • Robert Geiler May 6, 2021 at 12:39

      What was the reason the lender gave you. Credit, DTI, income, etc.? You still have to qualify and VA is the easiest loan to qualify for.

  13. Marguerite j.Quintana May 6, 2021 at 11:22

    Apparently, I will never get to use my VA home loan benefits. I live in a 50/50 state which means; all our marital income and debt ratios are combined when determining qualification and amount for a mortgage loan.since my spouse isn’t interested in a mortgage and won’t sign, I will not get to use this opportunity. Furthermore, since his current debt exceeds his annual income,I can’t get my name off his debt. So, a “sole and single” document will not help me either. I have a 740 credit score that apparently has no meaning at all. So, what else can I do? Is Divor e my only option? I am moving out this month. I’m So done…..

  14. Dennis Schaefer May 6, 2021 at 00:42

    Why can’t veterans refi a manufactured home where one doesn’t own the land but pays rent in a manufactured home community? It isn’t fair, for any vets who served their country.

    • Talisha May 14, 2021 at 10:21

      It really depends on the lender. You CAN find a bank that will only use your income and your debts to qualify for the mortgage, especially if you are the only one who is gong to be on the deed. But he would still be entitled to any equity acquired since you live in a 50/50 state, upon divorce. You’ll have to buy him out if you do divorce. There are veteran facebook groups that talk about lenders who cater to vets. Find one.

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