This week, VA guaranteed its 28 millionth home loan. Originally created as part of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 (which became known as “The G.I. Bill”), the VA home loan has been instrumental for countless Veterans and service members.

Currently, over 3.7 million Veterans have active home loans guaranteed by VA.

Home Loan expansion

In 1992, VA home loan program eligibility was expanded to include service members and Veterans of the Reserve and National Guard who met benefit requirements by serving honorably for at least six years without otherwise qualifying under the previous active-duty provisions.

The benefits to Veterans using the VA Home Loan Program include:

  • VA requires no down payment 
  • Limited closing costs
  • No need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
  • No pre-payment penalties
  • Default Assistance
  • The VA home loan is a lifetime benefit: you can use the guaranty multiple times

VA Loan Guaranty Service’s mission hasn’t changed—maximize opportunities for Veterans and service members to obtain, retain and adapt their homes by providing a viable and fiscally responsible benefit program in recognition of their selfless service to our country.

VA-guaranteed loans are available for homes for you or a spouse and/or dependent (for active duty service members) to live in. To be eligible, you must have satisfactory credit, sufficient income to meet the expected monthly obligations and a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE). 

A COE does just what its name implies: it certifies to lenders that you are eligible to apply for a VA home loan. A lender can obtain a Veteran’s COE on their behalf, or it can be accessed through signing in at va.gov. 

For more information on the VA home loan program, visit the VA Loan Guaranty Program website.

Topics in this story

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

2 Comments

  1. Peter and June 28, 2023 at 21:40

    Peter masss I just remember at some point he took me to the drs I Peter

  2. Don Means June 14, 2023 at 22:27

    I served as combat airdate flying out of my home port Atsugi, Japan and all over the far east but mostly I flew out of Danang, Vietnam.

    Guess I need to talk to a representative.

    Thanks

    Don Means

Comments are closed.

More Stories

  • VA options to keep your home while navigating financial hardships

    In this news post, we explore the various options designed to keep you in your home, offering hope and possible solutions for when/if you experience financial hardship.

  • VA honors Native American Veterans’ service with Native American Direct Loan program

    Vietnam Veteran David Chee is among the many Native American Veterans and service members who have dedicated their lives to military service. Chee proudly served with the Army's 82nd Airborne, parachuting into the jungles of Vietnam. Chee now owns a home he purchased on Navajo tribal lands with the help of the VA Native American Direct Loan. 

  • Protect your donations from charity scams!

    For Veterans, donating to charities—especially those that support fellow service members—feels like a meaningful way to give back to the community. However, Veterans and their loved ones must remain vigilant and learn to protect themselves from charity scams.