Who may qualify?
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses may qualify. Service period, duty type and discharge circumstances matter. VA makes the benefit-eligibility determination; a single service-length rule does not fit everyone.
Request your Certificate of Eligibility
Apply through VA online or ask your lender to help request it. Veterans commonly need a DD214; active-duty applicants generally need a signed statement of service. Guard, Reserve and surviving-spouse records differ. Use VA’s document list for your situation.
What it does—and does not—tell you
Your COE documents your VA loan benefit and entitlement information. It is not a mortgage approval. The lender still evaluates income, credit, debts, assets, the property and applicable occupancy requirements.
A safe next step
Use VA’s official request page or ask Sasha how to provide records securely. Do not email a Social Security number, DD214, bank statement or disability record through a general contact channel.
Read the official guidance
VA • Eligibility & restoration ↗VA • Certificate of Eligibility ↗Sources reviewed October 25, 2026. Requirements can change. Ask Sasha to help apply the information to your situation.