Surviving Spouse Eligibility
The VA loan benefit continues for surviving spouses of veterans who died in service, from a service-connected disability, or under other qualifying conditions.
Who qualifies
Un-remarried spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability.
Spouse of a service member missing in action or a POW for at least 90 days.
Surviving spouse of a totally-disabled veteran whose disability may not have caused death.
Remarriage rules
General rule: remarriage disqualifies you.
Big exception: remarriage on or after age 57, and on or after Dec 16 2003, does NOT disqualify you.
This one exception restores the benefit for thousands of surviving spouses each year.
How to apply
Complete VA Form 26-1817 (Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility — Unmarried Surviving Spouses).
Attach the veteran's DD-214, marriage certificate, and death certificate.
We handle this filing for you as part of the prequal process.
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