If you were in the Military, and qualify for a Veteran Home Loan, you are probably not surprised or alarmed at the amount of paperwork required by the VA… Some Veteran’s have been very careful with their Discharge Paperwork (DD214), others, have no idea where they put it! Here’s some basic information, because when you apply for a Veteran Home Loan, you will need the paper work!
How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?
You will need to Complete a VA Form 26-1880, which is called a Request for a Certificate of Eligibility. You then use that form to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility.
You can send the Request For A Certificate of Eligibility For Home Loan Benefits, to the Winston-Salem Eligibility Center, along with proof of military service. In some cases it may be possible for VA to establish eligibility without your proof of service. Our experience with the process says that to avoid any possible delays, it’s best to provide such evidence.
Can WE, as your lender get the Certificate of Eligibility for you?
Yes. We have access to the Web LGY system. This online (web based) system can issue an online Certificate of Eligibility in a matter of seconds. It is important to understand that in situations where you recently changed status, married a fellow service member, or other unusual circumstances, your case may not be eligible to be processed through the web. In that case, we will submit the VA Form 26-1880 (request for Certificate of Eligibility) directly to the VA, with your Proof of Service.
What is acceptable proof of military service?
Per the Veteran’s Administration:
If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and your social security number, and provides your date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.
If you were discharged from regular active duty after January 1, 1950, a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty should be included with your VA Form 26-1880. If you were discharged after October 1, 1979, DD Form 214 copy 4 should be included.
In all cases – A PHOTOCOPY OF the DD214 WILL SUFFICE…..DO NOT SUBMIT THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT.
National Guard and Selected Reserves
If you were discharged from the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include copies of adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service.
If you were discharged from the Army or Air Force National Guard, you may submit NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, or NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, or it’s equivalent.
If you were discharged from the Selected Reserve, you may submit a copy of your latest annual points statement and evidence of honorable service. Unfortunately, there is no single form used by the Reserves or National Guard similar to the DD Form 214. It is your responsibility to furnish adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service.
If you are still serving in the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters showing the length of time that you have been a member of the Selected Reserves. To be eligible for this 100%, no money down mortgage benefit to Veteran’s – again, at least 6 years of honorable service must be documented.
How can I obtain proof of military service?
Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, is used to apply for proof of military service regardless of whether you served on regular active duty or in the selected reserves. Look on the back of the form – there you will find the appropriate custodian of military service records, and instructions on where to send it. If you send it directly to the VA, you will cause a delay, because they are not the ones that complete the form!
Fort Bragg is right down the road from us. Many of the folks who are applying for a mortgage are in a situation where one spouse works in Raleigh, and the other at Bragg or in Fayetteville. If that is your situation, please give us a call. Depending on your unique situation, we have found that USDA Home Loans might be “Cheaper” on a monthly basis, when compared to your VA Benefits… and it’s a 100%, no money down program too!
Call Steve Thorne 919-649-5058 – we love working with Veterans! Thank you for all you do, and the sacrifices you make!
Eleanor, thanks for informing me that a veteran would need their Discharge Paperwork or DD214 form to file for a Veteran Home loan. My best friend, who served 15 years in the military, is planning to file for a VA loan to be able to buy a new home for his family. Perhaps he should consider getting help from a DD214 form assistance company so he could get his hands on his form in just weeks instead of waiting for months if he does it on his own. Thanks again!