What Are the Spouse Requirements for a VA Loan?

VA loan spouse requirements allow the surviving spouse of a military member or veteran to obtain a Veterans Administration mortgage in certain cases. These low-interest loans may not require a down payment if you buy a home you will live in most of the time. Find out whether you might qualify for this benefit as the surviving spouse of a service member.

How Does a Surviving Spouse Qualify Under VA Loan Spouse Requirements?

You can apply for this type of mortgage under VA loan spouse requirements if:

• Your spouse was a military member who died in service or a veteran who died from a disability related to service
• You have not remarried

You can qualify as a surviving spouse even after remarrying if:

• Your military spouse was a prisoner of war or missing in action for 90 days or longer
• Your military spouse was eligible for total disability for any cause at the time of death

Start the process by contacting the VA and applying for a Certificate of Eligibility. You can take this document to a mortgage company that offers VA loans and find out whether you qualify for a home loan.

Does Spouse Income Count for a VA Loan?

If you are a military member or veteran and plan to purchase a home with your spouse, they can cosign on the loan. In this case, the lender will count both your income and your spouse's income when underwriting your mortgage, which means you may improve your chances of qualifying for a larger loan or lower interest rate. 

Can a Non-VA Spouse Be on a VA Loan?

Yes, you can apply for this type of loan along with a spouse who is not a veteran. This can work to your advantage by increasing your income as described above. However, it can also lower your chances of obtaining a loan if your spouse has a below-average credit score. In that case, you might qualify for a better rate by applying for the mortgage separately from your spouse.