✍️ FinZelo Editorial Team 📅 September 2026 ⏱️ 7 min read
📌 Key Takeaway: VA loan eligibility is based on military service history, not income or first-time buyer status — most veterans, active duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses qualify regardless of how many homes they've owned.

Who's Eligible

  • Veterans who meet minimum active-duty service requirements (length varies by service era).
  • Active-duty service members after a set period of continuous service.
  • Certain National Guard and Reserve members.
  • Eligible surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.

Getting Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Your COE confirms your eligibility and remaining entitlement amount to lenders. Most VA lenders can pull this electronically in minutes through the VA's system, or you can request it directly through the VA.

There's No Minimum Credit Score Set by the VA

The VA itself doesn't set a minimum credit score — that's determined by individual lenders, who commonly look for 580-620+ in practice, similar to or slightly below FHA standards.

VA Loans Have No Set Income Limit

Unlike some down payment assistance programs, VA loan eligibility isn't tied to income — it's purely based on qualifying military service and your ability to repay under standard debt-to-income guidelines.

This page is for educational purposes and isn't personalized financial or tax advice. Figures, rates, and program details change frequently — confirm current terms directly with lenders, tax professionals, or the IRS before acting.