Do You Have to Be Married to Get a VA Loan?
Demystify VA loan requirements. Understand if and how your marital status plays a role in securing this valuable homeownership benefit.
A common question about VA loan eligibility is whether marital status is required. Marital status is not a prerequisite for obtaining a VA loan. This benefit, designed to help eligible service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses achieve homeownership, focuses primarily on military service and financial readiness.
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for a VA loan primarily hinges on meeting specific service requirements, rather than marital status. Active-duty service members generally qualify after 90 consecutive days of service during wartime or 181 days during peacetime. For members of the National Guard and Reserves, eligibility typically requires six years of service, or 90 cumulative days of active duty under Title 32 orders, with at least 30 consecutive days. Service must generally conclude with an honorable discharge.
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document from the Department of Veterans Affairs that confirms an individual’s military service meets VA home loan eligibility criteria. While a COE is necessary to secure a VA loan, it is not required to begin the loan process or obtain a pre-approval. Eligible individuals can obtain a COE online through the VA’s eBenefits portal, by mail using VA Form 26-1880, or through their lender.
Lenders assess an applicant’s financial capability, including their income and creditworthiness. While the VA does not set a minimum credit score, most lenders require a score of 620 or higher. Lenders also evaluate debt-to-income (DTI) ratios and residual income to ensure the borrower can afford mortgage payments and other essential expenses. These financial assessments are standard for all applicants.
How Marital Status Influences VA Loans
Marital status does not determine eligibility, but it can affect certain aspects of a VA loan. If a service member or veteran is married and their spouse is included on the loan application, the spouse’s income can be considered for a larger loan amount. This can be particularly advantageous for increasing purchasing power. Including a spouse with a lower credit score could impact loan terms or approval, as lenders assess all co-borrowers’ financial profiles.
The occupancy requirement, mandating the veteran use the home as their primary residence, can be fulfilled by a spouse. If a veteran is actively deployed or stationed elsewhere, their spouse can occupy the property. This flexibility ensures military families can utilize the VA loan benefit even when the service member cannot reside in the home.
When a non-veteran spouse is included as a co-borrower, the VA guarantee extends only to the veteran’s portion. The non-veteran’s credit and income will be assessed by the lender, similar to conventional loan standards, for their share. While VA loan benefits, such as no down payment, apply to the veteran’s portion, the non-veteran’s financial standing remains a significant factor in loan approval.
Joint VA Loans with Unmarried Individuals
A distinct scenario arises when an eligible veteran seeks to purchase a home with an unmarried non-veteran. This arrangement is permissible through a joint VA loan, but it has specific rules that differ from loans involving married couples. The distinction is that the VA’s guarantee only covers the veteran’s portion.
Consequently, the non-veteran co-borrower may be required to make a down payment on their share. This down payment compensates for the portion of the loan not covered by the VA’s guarantee, typically 25% of the non-veteran’s share. Lenders will underwrite the non-veteran’s financial qualifications based on conventional lending standards, requiring them to meet separate credit and income criteria for their part. This dual underwriting process ensures the lender’s risk is managed for the unguaranteed portion.