VA Loan Surviving Spouse Requirements: What You Need to Know

How Surviving Spouses Can Use VA Loan Benefits

VA loans aren’t only limited to service members—some surviving spouses may also qualify for this valuable home financing option. Understanding the VA loan requirements for surviving spouses can help you determine if you’re eligible and what the next steps are. In this article, we’ll explain the criteria to qualify, how to apply, and how a VA-backed home loan can support your homeownership goals after the loss of a spouse.

Can a Surviving Spouse Qualify for a VA Loan?

Yes, a surviving spouse may qualify for a VA home loan if they meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loan benefits can extend to unremarried surviving spouses of Veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability. In most cases, the surviving spouse must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm their qualification for the program. Once approved, they can use a VA home loan to purchase or refinance a primary residence.

VA Loan Eligibility Criteria for Surviving Spouses

To qualify for a VA-backed mortgage, surviving spouses must meet one or more specific eligibility conditions established by the VA. These criteria help determine whether VA loan benefits can be used without the Veteran present. Below are the main qualifying scenarios.

• You never remarried: Surviving spouses who haven’t remarried after the Veteran’s death are typically eligible for VA loan benefits, provided other service-related requirements have been met.
• You remarried after a certain age: Some surviving spouses who remarry after age 57 may still qualify for VA loan eligibility.
• Your spouse is a POW or MIA: If the Veteran is officially listed as a prisoner of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA), the surviving spouse may be eligible for VA loan benefits.
• Your spouse is a totally disabled Veteran: Surviving spouses of Veterans who were rated totally disabled due to a service-connected condition may qualify, even if the death was not service-related.
• You are receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): The VA offers Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to eligible survivors of service members who died from a service-connected injury or illness. Receiving DIC benefits from the VA is a strong indicator of eligibility and often satisfies the service-related requirement for VA loans.

Understanding whether one or more of these situations apply is an important first step before reviewing documentation requirements and the application process covered in the next sections.

Required Documents for Surviving Spouse VA Loan Eligibility

Surviving spouses must submit documentation that confirms both their relationship to the Veteran and their eligibility for VA loan benefits. Commonly required documents include DD Form 214 (or other discharge papers), proof of marriage, and the Veteran’s death certificate. If applicable, dependency records such as VA benefits statements or DIC award letters may also be required.

A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is essential, as it officially confirms that the surviving spouse qualifies for the VA loan benefit. Lenders may also request additional documentation depending on individual circumstances, such as POW/MIA status or disability ratings.

How To Get a COE as a Surviving Spouse

To obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), surviving spouses must apply through the VA using VA Form 26-1817, which is specifically designed for surviving spouse applicants. The process begins by completing the form and submitting required supporting documents, such as proof of marriage and the VVeteran’s service records. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or with the help of a VA-approved lender.

Many lenders assist surviving spouses with the COE process to ensure accuracy and avoid delays. Once approved, the COE confirms eligibility and allows the spouse to move forward with the VA loan application.

POW and MIA Surviving Spouse VA Loan Requirements

Special eligibility rules may apply when a service member is classified as a prisoner of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA). In these cases, the VA may allow surviving spouses to access VA loan benefits even if the service member has not been officially declared deceased. Eligibility often depends on the duration and classification of the service member’s status.

These circumstances can involve additional documentation and verification, but they ensure that surviving spouses are not unfairly excluded from VA loan benefits due to unresolved service classifications.

Applying for a VA Loan as a Surviving Spouse

The steps to apply for a VA loan as a surviving spouse is similar to that of a Veteran, with a few additional documentation requirements. This includes confirming eligibility, obtaining a COE, choosing a VA-approved lender, and completing the loan application. Lenders review income, credit, and other financial factors to ensure the borrower can manage the loan responsibly. Working with an experienced VA lender can help streamline the process and clarify any requirements specific to surviving spouses.

Choosing a VA-Approved Lender

Selecting the right VA-approved lender is an important step in the loan process. Some lenders specialize in helping surviving spouses and can assist with navigating eligibility rules, gathering documents, and obtaining a COE. Freedom Mortgage stands apart as a VA lender, consistently ranking as one of the top VA lenders in the United States.

Understanding VA Loan Limits and Entitlement Rules

VA loan limits and entitlement rules determine how much a borrower can finance using their VA home loan benefit. For surviving spouses, entitlement—the amount the government guarantees on your loan—is tied to eligibility rather than the Veteran’s remaining entitlement. While the VA no longer sets loan limits for borrowers with full entitlement, lenders may still impose limits based on financial qualifications. Knowing how entitlement works can help surviving spouses make informed decisions about purchasing or refinancing a home with a VA loan.

VA Loan for Surviving Spouses and Divorce

Divorce can affect VA loan eligibility depending on when it occurred. If a divorce took place before the Veteran’s death, the former spouse is generally not considered a surviving spouse for VA benefit purposes. However, in some situations, the former spouse may have the right to reuse VA loan entitlement. Additionally, divorced spouses can be designated beneficiaries within a year of divorce (with the condition of being unremarried). However, these benefits typically don’t include the ability to take out a VA home loan.

VA Loan Surviving Spouse FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions surviving spouses have about VA loan benefits.

Can a Surviving Spouse Use a VA Loan More Than Once?

Yes, a surviving spouse may use a VA loan more than once, provided they still meet eligibility requirements and have available entitlement. Entitlement may be restored after a loan is paid off, or the property is sold.

Do Surviving Spouses Have to Pay the VA Funding Fee?

Surviving spouses are typically exempt from paying the VA funding fee, especially those receiving DIC benefits.

Are There VA Loan Down Payment or Credit Requirements?

VA loans typically do not require a down payment, and credit requirements are often more flexible than conventional loans. Lenders may still set minimum credit score guidelines, but they are typically much lower than that of other loan types. Freedom Mortgage offers VA loans to those with credit scores potentially as low as 550.

Can a Surviving Spouse Refinance a VA Loan Using the IRRRL Program?

Yes, eligible surviving spouses can use the VA IRRRL, also known as a VA streamline refinance, to refinance an existing VA loan.

Are Other Family Members Eligible for VA Loans?

No, only surviving spouses who meet the eligibility requirements may qualify for VA loans. The children of Veterans and other family members are not eligible for the VA loan program.

Final Thoughts: VA Loan Surviving Spouse Benefits

VA loan benefits can provide homeownership opportunities for eligible surviving spouses. By understanding the eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, and application process, surviving spouses can take full advantage of this benefit earned through their loved one’s service. Whether you’re purchasing a home or refinancing, the VA home loan program offers many financial advantages. Consider learning more or taking the next step to apply for a VA loan.