In order to take advantage of the many benefits of a VA home loan, eligibility must be proven by the applicant(s). Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is not necessary to start the VA loan process but it is always a good idea to start the application process as soon as possible. The COE ensures lenders like USAVA that the applicant(s) is indeed eligible for a VA-backed home loan and has met the minimum service requirements.
To qualify for a VA loan, you must have one or more of the following criteria:
- Served 181 days during peacetime (Active Duty)
- Served 90 days during war time (Active Duty)
- Served 6 years in the Reserves or National Guard
- Surviving spouse of a service member who was killed in the line of duty
Once the required criteria has been established, the applicant must be issued a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Applicants may apply online, through lenders like USAVA or by mail.
Apply online
To get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) online, you may go to the eBenefits portal at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website. You will need to set up login credentials and follow the directions on the screen. There is an eBenefits Help Desk set up to help with the application process. They can be reached at 1-800-983-0937 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
Apply through your lender
USAVA has access to the Web LGY system. This Internet-based application can establish eligibility and issue an online COE in a matter of seconds. However, not all cases can be processed through Web LGY – only those for which VA has sufficient data listed through the Department of Veteran Affairs. Call one of our loan specialists today to see if you meet the data requirement to get your process started.
Apply by mail
Applicants may apply by mail by printing out the VA Form 26-1880, filling it out and mailing the completed form to the address listed at the botton of this screen.
*Surviving Spouses
Spouses must apply by mail using VA Form 26-1817, Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility – Unmarried Surviving Spouses. If the Veteran spouse died after service, VA must determine that the death was due to a service-connected disability. This process lasts about 2-3 months for this process unless there is already documented proof the death of service-connected.
*If you are unable to print any forms, 1-877-827-3702 and follow the prompts for Eligibility and the forms will be mailed to your address.
All completed paperwork may be sent to the following address:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
Attn: COE (262)
PO Box 100034
Decatur, GA 30031
A COE does not guarantee the applicant is approved for a VA loan, it simply means the service requirements were met. For guidance on where to go after a COE has been granted, call any of our loan specialists today!
