This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
VA Loan Entitlement
Based on VA home-loan statutory authority at 38 U.S.C. § 3703 and VA’s funding-fee schedule published at VA.gov. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 U.S.C. § 3703 (Basic provisions relating to loan guaranty), 38 CFR § 36.4302 (Computation of guaranty), VA.gov VA-backed home loans
VA home loans may not require a down payment, private mortgage insurance, or a minimum credit score[src]. Entitlement is set by the loan-guaranty statute at 38 U.S.C. § 3703[src] and depends on your service category and history.
Entitlement Categories
Veterans (Active Duty)
Bonus entitlement availableVeterans who served on active duty.
Basic entitlement: $36,000
Service requirements:
- •Wartime service: 90 days of active duty during a wartime period
- •Peacetime service: 181 continuous days of active duty
- •Gulf War era (Aug 2, 1990 - present): 24 continuous months or the full period called to active duty (90-day minimum)
Active Duty Service Members
Bonus entitlement availableCurrently serving on active duty.
Basic entitlement: $36,000
Service requirements:
- •At least 90 continuous days of active duty service
National Guard / Reserve
Bonus entitlement availableGuard and Reserve members.
Basic entitlement: $36,000
Service requirements:
- •6 years of service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard, OR
- •90 days of active duty service under Title 10 (federal activation)
Surviving Spouse
Bonus entitlement availableUn-remarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability.
Basic entitlement: $36,000
Service requirements:
- •Spouse of veteran who died in service or from service-connected disability
- •Spouse of service member missing in action
- •Spouse of POW
- •Must not have remarried (exceptions for remarriage after age 57)
Funding Fee Schedule (2026)
Most VA loans require a one-time funding fee. Veterans with a service-connected disability may be exempt.
| Loan Type | First Use | Subsequent Use |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase/construction (no down payment) | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| Purchase/construction (5%+ down payment) | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| Purchase/construction (10%+ down payment) | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| Cash-out refinance | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| Interest Rate Reduction Refinance (IRRRL) | 0.5% | 0.5% |
Funding Fee Exemptions
You may be exempt from the funding fee if any of the following apply:
- •Service-connected disability (any rating)
- •Surviving spouse receiving DIC
- •Purple Heart recipient on active duty
Entitlement amounts and funding fee rates are estimates based on current published schedules. Actual entitlement is determined by the VA based on your complete service record.
Rates as of 2026 · Last reviewed Apr 2026
This tool is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We are not accredited agents, attorneys, or claims agents, and do not file claims or provide legal advice per 38 U.S.C. § 5904. For official loan information, contact a VA-approved lender or your local VA regional loan center.