The VA home loan is a lifetime benefit earned through the service and sacrifice of a Veteran. For eligible surviving spouses, this program provides a path to homeownership with $0 down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and an exemption from the VA Funding Fee.
For Military Families
For military families, service is a shared journey. When a Veteran makes the ultimate sacrifice, their legacy includes a powerful benefit designed to provide long-term security for those they left behind. At VeteransLoans.com, we are honored to help surviving spouses understand and activate their VA home loan benefits.
Can a Surviving Spouse Get a VA Loan?
Yes. Many surviving spouses are eligible to use the VA home loan program to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage. This benefit is a lifetime entitlement, meaning if you are eligible, it is available to you whenever you are ready to use it.
Who is Eligible?
A surviving spouse typically qualifies for a VA loan if the Veteran:
- Died while on active duty.
- Died as a result of a service-connected disability.
- Was rated as totally disabled for a certain period of time prior to their death.
- Is currently listed as Missing in Action (MIA) or a Prisoner of War (POW) for 90 days or more.
The Remarriage Rule
One of the most common questions we hear is: "Am I still eligible if I remarry?" Generally, you remain eligible if you have not remarried. However, you may still qualify if:
- You remarried on or after December 16, 2003, AND
- You were at least 57 years old at the time of your remarriage.
VA Mortgage Benefits for Surviving Spouses
The VA loan isn't just a "military version" of a standard loan; it offers some of the most competitive terms in the entire mortgage industry. For surviving spouses, these benefits are even more impactful:
VA Loan Benefits: Veterans vs. Surviving Spouses
The following table compares key features between veteran and surviving spouse VA loan eligibility:
Veterans vs. Surviving Spouses
| Features | Veteran / Active Duty | Surviving Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Form | VA Form 26-1880 | VA Form 26-1817 |
| VA Funding Fee | Required (unless disabled) | Always Exempt |
| COE Basis | Service History | Service Connection |
| Down Payment | $0 Down | $0 Down |
| Monthly PMI | Never Required | Never Required |
| Entitlement Code | Varies | Code 06 (Survivor) |
Starting the VA Loan Process as a Surviving Spouse
The process for a surviving spouse is very similar to the Veteran's process, with one key difference in documentation.
Step 1: Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The COE is the formal document from the VA that proves you have the "entitlement" to use the benefit. To get this, you will need:
- VA Form 26-1817: The specific request form for surviving spouses.
- Veteran's DD-214: Their discharge paperwork (if available).
- Marriage License & Death Certificate: To verify the relationship and service connection.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved
Once your eligibility is confirmed, we look at your credit score and income. The VA doesn't have a "minimum score," but most lenders look for a score around 620. Since you are likely managing your household's finances solo, we work with you to ensure the monthly payment is comfortable and sustainable.
Step 3: Find Your New Home
With your pre-approval letter in hand, you can shop with confidence. Sellers value VA buyers because they know the loan is backed by the federal government and the buyer is highly qualified.
Required Document Checklist
To make the process as smooth as possible, we recommend gathering these documents early. Having these ready will help us secure your COE and fast-track your approval.
1. Proof of Eligibility (The "COE" Essentials)
- VA Form 26-1817: The Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility (specifically for surviving spouses).
- Veteran's DD-214: The Report of Separation or discharge papers.
- Marriage License: To verify your relationship.
- Death Certificate: To confirm the Veteran's passing.
- VA Form 21P-534EZ: (Only if you are not currently receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits).
2. Financial Documentation
- Income Verification: Your two most recent pay stubs (if employed) or your most recent pension/Social Security award letters.
- Tax Returns: Your last two years of federal tax returns and W2s.
- Bank Statements: Your two most recent monthly statements for all checking, savings, and retirement accounts.
- Photo ID: A valid driver's license or government-issued ID.
VA Loan Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, remarriage ends your eligibility. However, there are two major exceptions: you remain eligible if you remarried on or after December 16, 2003, and were at least 57 years old at the time, or if your subsequent marriage has since ended (via death or divorce).
If you and your spouse purchased a home together using a VA loan, you can still use the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) to lower your interest rate. If you are looking to buy a new home, we can help you determine if you have remaining "entitlement" to use for a second purchase.
No. One of the most significant benefits for eligible surviving spouses is a full exemption from the VA Funding Fee. This is an automatic benefit for survivors, potentially saving you several thousand dollars in closing costs.
Yes. A surviving spouse can often "assume" the existing VA mortgage, essentially taking over the payments and the current interest rate. This is a common way for survivors to stay in their family home without the need for a brand-new loan application.
No. Unlike some other military benefits, there is no "expiration date" on your VA home loan entitlement. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, this benefit is available to you for the rest of your life.