Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans for Active Duty Military: Eligibility, Service Time, and Requirements

Buying a home while you’re on active duty comes with a bunch of questions that most civilian buyers never have to think about. Your orders can change quickly, deployments happen, and timelines are basically never predictable. For many service members and their spouses, there’s also uncertainty about one big thing in particular: Can I actually use a Veterans Affairs (VA) loan while I’m still serving?

VA loans are often talked about as an option for veterans who have already separated, but active duty military members may also be eligible in certain cases. But the eligibility rules are pretty specific, and it can be confusing to figure out how situations like basic training, deployments, or Guard and Reserve service fit into that.

In this article, we’ll explain how VA loans for active duty military work, including service time requirements, documentation you may need, and common scenarios that can affect eligibility. The goal is to give you clear, practical information so you can understand where you stand and plan your next steps.

Are Active Duty Military Eligible for VA Loans?

Yes, active duty military members could be eligible for a VA loan, even if they are still serving. VA loan eligibility is not limited to veterans who have separated from service. In fact, the VA allows active duty service members to use their VA loan once they meet the required length of service and character of service standards.

Eligibility is based on active duty service in one of the qualifying branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and meeting minimum service requirements set by the VA. Being on active duty does not disqualify you, but it does affect how eligibility is documented. Like all VA loan applicants, active duty service members confirm eligibility through a Certificate of Eligibility, commonly called a COE.

The difference for active duty borrowers is that because they have not yet been discharged, their COE is supported by a statement of service rather than a DD Form 214, and it shows that eligibility is valid while they remain on active duty.

We should also separate eligibility from loan approval. Being eligible for a VA loan means you meet the VA’s service requirements for the benefit. You still need to qualify for the mortgage itself based on income, credit, and other private lender guidelines.

For Guard and Reserve members, eligibility can follow different rules depending on whether service includes qualifying active duty time or meets the VA’s longer Reserve service requirements.

Minimum Service Time Requirements

The amount of time you must serve to be eligible for a VA loan depends on when you entered the military and the nature of your service.

In general, service members on active duty may be eligible after completing at least 90 days of continuous service during wartime or 181 continuous days during peacetime. For those who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered service as an officer after October 16, 1981, the VA applies an additional rule.

In most cases, these service members must complete either:

• 24 months of continuous active duty
• The full period for which they were called to active duty, as long as that period meets the minimum service thresholds

There are also exceptions to the standard service time rules, including certain cases involving service-connected disabilities or early separation under specific conditions. The most reliable way to confirm whether you’ve met the service time requirement is through your Certificate of Eligibility.

Does Basic Training Count?

Basic training can count toward VA loan eligibility, but only when it is part of qualifying active duty service. This is an important distinction, especially for newer service members or those coming from the Guard or Reserve.

For service members on regular active duty, time spent in basic training is generally included as part of continuous active duty service. In those cases, basic training counts toward the minimum service time requirement because it is not considered separate from active duty; it is the start of it.

For National Guard and Reserve members, basic training is typically classified as active duty for training rather than active duty. On its own, that time does not usually count toward VA loan eligibility.

However, it could if it is followed by qualifying active duty service, or the service member meets the VA’s separate eligibility requirements for Guard and Reserve service. This is where confusion often arises, as two service members may complete similar training but have different eligibility outcomes based on how their service is categorized.

What Documents Do You Need?

If you’re on active duty, you won’t have a discharge document. Instead, eligibility is supported by a statement of service from your commander or personnel officer. This statement confirms basic details like when you entered active duty and that you’re currently serving, along with personal details like your Social Security number.

If you’ve already separated from service, eligibility is typically verified using your DD Form 214. For National Guard and Reserve members, documentation can look different depending on whether you’re still serving or have completed your service, and may include retirement points statements or separation records.

In many cases, you don’t need to track down documents on your own before getting started. Lenders can request your Certificate of Eligibility electronically, and the VA may already have enough information on file to make a determination. If additional records are needed, they can be provided during the process.

Can You Use a VA Loan While Deployed?

Yes, it is possible to use a VA loan while you’re deployed, but it does take some advance planning. Deployment does not take away your VA loan eligibility, and being overseas does not have to prevent you from buying a home, refinancing, or completing the VA loan process. But it can make the process a little more complicated.

For example, loan documents still need to be signed. Because you may not be physically present for closing, many deployed service members use a power of attorney to authorize a trusted person, often a spouse or family member, to sign on their behalf. The VA allows this, as long as the power of attorney meets specific requirements.

Occupancy is another factor to think through. VA loans are intended for primary residences. However, deployment is recognized as a valid reason for not immediately occupying the home. In many cases, a spouse can occupy the property, or the service member may be able to certify intent to occupy once deployment ends.

FAQs

Can I apply for a VA loan before I receive my orders?

Eligibility is based on your service history, not upcoming assignments. That said, if you expect changes to your duty station or availability, it’s helpful to discuss timing with your lender.

Does being deployed delay the VA loan process?

It can, but it doesn’t have to. Delays are more likely when documentation, signatures, or communication plans aren’t set up ahead of time. With tools like electronic document delivery and an approved power of attorney, many deployed borrowers move through the process without significant issues.

Can my spouse use the VA loan if I’m deployed?

Your spouse cannot use the VA loan benefit independently unless they are also eligible, but they may act on your behalf during the loan process if you’ve granted proper authorization. Occupancy by a spouse is generally acceptable under VA guidelines.

Final Thoughts

VA loans can be a useful tool for those who serve, but eligibility rules can feel confusing when you’re still on active duty. Between service time requirements, paperwork, and situations like training or deployment, it’s not always immediately clear where you stand.

The good news is that many active duty service members can become eligible for a VA loan sooner than they expect. If you meet the service requirements and have the right documentation, you may be able to use this benefit while you’re still serving. The most reliable way to know is by checking your Certificate of Eligibility.

Whether you’re just starting to think about buying a home or planning ahead for future moves, clear information is your best friend. When you understand how VA loan eligibility works, you might find it’ll become a helpful option for you and your family, wherever your service takes you.