Who Is Eligible for a VA Loan?

VA loans are available to active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses. To be eligible, you generally need at least 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, or 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves. You will need a Certificate of Eligibility, which your lender can help you obtain. VA loans offer significant benefits including zero down payment, no PMI, competitive interest rates, and limited closing costs, making them one of the most powerful mortgage benefits available to those who have served.