VA Home Loan Guaranty

Service members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home

The VA guarantees part of a mortgage made by a private lender, which lets most eligible buyers purchase with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Most borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, which is waived for veterans receiving VA disability compensation and some others. You still need to meet the lender's credit and income standards, and the home must be your primary residence. The benefit can be reused after you sell or pay off a prior VA loan.

How to use it

Request your Certificate of Eligibility on VA.gov and compare offers from several VA-approved lenders.

Go to the official source

Last checked 2026-10. Rules and amounts change; your installation's finance, transportation or family center office has the final word.

Related in Housing & Home Buying

• BAH (CONUS) and OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance)
  Service members living off base
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
  Active duty members with leases, loans or legal matters