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VA Loan Eligibility

VA Home Loan Eligibility for Veterans in California

Author - Peter Van L. BradyPeter Van Brady
Author - Peter Van L. Brady

Peter Van Brady

Founder of SoCal VA Homes

Author: Avoiding Mistakes & Crushing Your Deals Using Your VA Loan

January 6, 2020 (last updated June 29, 2022)

As a veteran in California, how do you know if you are eligible for a VA mortgage loan? The requirements are listed below. For further information or clarification call one of our VA Home Loan Specialists

  • You have served 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime
  • You have served 181 days of active service during peacetime
  • You have more than 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves
  • You are the spouse of a service member who has died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-related disability
Certificate of Eligibility

After establishing that you are eligible for a VA home loan, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE verifies to the lender that you are eligible for a VA-Guaranteed mortgage loan.

It may be possible to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from your lender. As a lender specializing in VA Loans we have access to the ACE (Automated Certificate of Eligibility) system. This Internet based application allows us to establish eligibility and issue an online Certificate of Eligibility in a matter of seconds.

If we cannot obtain your COE electronically other measures can be taken. A COE can be obtained directly with proper documents. Please refer to the table below for your specific scenario:

Evidence Needed to Prove Your Eligibility to Obtain a VA Home Loan
Veteran

DD Form 214 - required to have a copy showing the character of service (item 24) and the narrative reason for separation (item 28).

Active Duty Service Member

A current statement of service:

Signed by (or by the direction of): the adjutant, personnel office, or commander of the unit or higher headquarters

Showing:

  • Your full name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of birth
  • Entry date on active duty
  • The duration of any lost time
  • The name of the command providing the information

Call a Sr. VA Home Loan Technician at:
(949) 268-7742

VA Loan Payment Calculator

Current National Guard or Reserve member who has never been Federal active service

A current statement of service:

Signed by (or by the direction of): the adjutant, personnel office, or commander of the unit or higher headquarters

Showing:

  • Your full name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of birth
  • Entry date on duty
  • The duration of any lost time
  • The name of the command providing the information
Discharged member of the National Guard who has never been activated for Federal active service

NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, for each period of National Guard service
-OR-
NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, and proof of the character of service

Discharged member of the Selected Reserve who has never been activated for Federal active service

Copy of your latest annual retirement points statement and evidence of honorable service

If you are a Surviving Spouse in Receipt of DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation) benefits

Submit VA form 26-1817 and veteran’s DD214 ( if available)
Include veteran’s and surviving spouse’s social security number on the 26-1817 form

If you are a Surviving Spouse and are not receiving DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation) benefits

Submit the following to the appropriate Compensation and Pension office:

  • VA form 21-534
  • DD214 (if available)
  • Marriage License
  • Death Certificate or DD Form 1300 – Report of Casualty
  • Please find the mailing address for your state to send the VA 21-534 on the following link. PMC States
How to Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility

Instructions on how to get your Certificate of Eligibility Click for Printable Instructions

Once you have your documents needed for your COE, please call your VA loan experts at So Cal VA Homes!
We will expedite this for you whether you apply with us or not; we are here to serve.

(949) 268-7742

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