Meeting the VA home loan requirements is really as simple as active and honorable participation in the United States military. Actually, you don’t even have to be the one who directly participated. Even spouses of those who served in the military may meet the VA home loan requirements. Review the list of requirements below to see if you or your spouse is eligible for a VA home loan.

Honorable Discharge: It stand to reason that if you want a home loan under the reasoning that you or your spouse is a veteran a minimal requirement would be honorable discharge. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and this one is no different. If you or your spouse feel you should qualify for a home loan without an honorable discharge, simply fill out the application and ask for the criteria to be reviewed. Some cases are obviously going to be exceptions, such as those whose spouse was killed in active duty or is currently missing in action.

Service During Wartime: Those that were in service during time of war may be eligible for a VA home loan of they meet the requirement of being in active duty for at least 90 days during wartime periods. Those who are disabled during this time may also qualify for a home loan even if they weren’t active for the 90 day minimum period.

Service During Peacetime:  Just because you didn’t serve in the military during times of war you are not excluded from being approved for a VA home loan. Those that are active in the military during times of peace must have been in active duty for at least 181 days. It’s important to note that whether you serve during times of war or times of peace, the expectation is that your service was honorable and that you were not removed from the military under dishonorable conditions to qualify for the VA home loan.

Active Duty: If you are currently on active duty and have served at least 181 in the military then you meet the requirements for the VA home loan as long as there are no previous military issues that would disqualify you.

Reserves and Guards: Those who have completed 6 years in the selected reserves or national  guard may meet the VA home loan requirements if they were honorably discharged, retired, transferred or are actively serving in the selected reserves.

The VA home loan is basically offered to those who have shown their commitment to the military by maintaining good standing in some branch of the military. This is one more way for the military to show their appreciation to those who have devoted their time and a portion of their lives to maintaining the safety of the country and those that need protection. Not only are the military personnel offered this benefit, but so are their spouses who stand by them and indirectly participate in the strength of the military.