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A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the first step toward a VA-backed home loan or a Native American Direct Loan, and it shows the lender that the borrower has the VA home loan benefit. Veterans, service members, and National Guard and Reserve members can request one online on VA.gov, through a lender, or by mail with VA Form 26-1880. Surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or had a service-connected disability use VA Form 26-1817 if they get DIC, or VA Form 21P-534EZ with supporting documents if they do not.
Available to veterans, service members, and Guard and Reserve members who meet VA's minimum service requirements, and to some surviving spousesVA-backed home loan with no down payment as long as the sales price is not above the home's appraised value, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates for purchasing a primary residence. You may need to pay a one-time VA funding fee.
Available with qualifying length and character of serviceDirect VA loan for Native American veterans, and veterans married to a Native American, to buy, build, or improve a home on federal trust land, as a low-interest, 30-year fixed mortgage. It can also refinance an existing NADL to lower the interest rate.
Available to Native American veterans, or veterans married to a Native American, for a home on federal trust land where the tribal government has an agreement with VAGrant of up to $126,526 (FY 2026) to build, buy, or modify a permanent home for veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities, such as the loss or loss of use of more than one limb, blindness in both eyes, or certain severe burns. The grant can be used up to 6 times.
Available to veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities, such as loss of use of limbs, blindness in both eyes, severe burns, or ALSUp to $126,526FY 2026 maximum, usable up to 6 timesAdd your state in your profile to see state and community programs for this moment. You can also browse the full network.
A VSO rep can connect you with VA-trained housing specialists.