Learn about VA home loan eligibility requirements for a VA direct or VA-backed loan. Find out how to request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to show your lender that you qualify based on your service history and duty status. Keep in mind that for a VA-backed home loan, you’ll also need to meet your lender’s credit and income loan requirements to receive financing.

Minimum active-duty service requirements

When did you serve?

Between August 2, 1990 and present (Gulf war to present)

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 24 continuous months, or
• The full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, or
• At least 90 days if you were discharged for a hardship, or a reduction in force, or
• Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between Sept 8, 1980, and August 1, 1990

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 24 continuous months, or
• The full period (at least 181 days) for which you were called to active duty, or
• At least 181 days if you were discharged for a hardship, or a reduction in force, or
• Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between Oct 17, 1981 and August 1, 1990 as an Officer

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 24 continuous months, or
• The full period (at least 181 days) for which you were called to active duty, or
• At least 181 days if you were discharged for a hardship, or a reduction in force, or
• Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between May 8, 1975 and Sept 7, 1980 (post Vietnam era)

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• 181 continuous days, or
• Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between May 8, 1975 and October 16, 1981, as an Officer

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• 181 continuous days, or
• Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 90 total days, or
• Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between November 1, 1955 and May 7, 1975, in the Republic of Vietnam

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 90 total days, or
• Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between February 1, 1955 and August 4, 1964 (post Korean War)

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 181 total days, or
• Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between June 27, 1950 and January 31, 1955 (Korean War)

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 90 total days, or
• Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between July 26, 1947 and June 26, 1950 (post WWII period)

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 181 continuous days, or
• Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

Between September 16, 1940 and July 25, 1947 (WWII)

You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for: 

• At least 90 total days, or
• Less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS / RESERVES

There are four separate ways in which a National Guard or Reserve member can qualify for VA loan eligibility.
Many members of the National Guard will gain VA eligibility by meeting the following:

• At least 90 days of non-training active-duty service, or
• 6 creditable years in the Selected Reserve 

And at least one of these must be true:

• You were discharged honorably, or
• You were placed on the retired list, or
• You were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable, or
• You continue to serve in the Selected Reserve

 One thing to note is that active duty must be during wartime. If a National Guard member is active for State Active Duty, this time does not count toward the active duty requirement. However, National Guard members can still get additional benefits form the state, depending on the state they serve in.