What Are The VA Loan Spouse Requirements?

May 7, 2024

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It’s no secret that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans come with extensive benefits for eligible veterans and service members. You can’t match the ability to get a mortgage with lower interest rates and no down payment requirement.

But there are some extra considerations when qualified service members and veterans want to include their civilian spouse in this type of mortgage. This makes it essential to research the VA loan spouse requirements before you start shopping for a VA loan.

Can A Military Service Member’s Spouse Get A VA Loan?

Spouses of an active duty or former service member can qualify for a VA loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs as a co-signer or co-borrower. Qualified surviving spouses may be able to take out a VA loan on their own, which we’ll discuss later on. Since the VA home loan is a type of government loan that offers lower restrictions and requires no down payment, that’s great news!

Applying For A VA Loan With A Spouse

When a veteran’s spouse co-signs on the mortgage, their income and credit standing will affect the loan details. With that, a veteran’s spouse with a high income and great credit rating could help the service member qualify for a larger loan or better interest rates. But on the flip side, a military spouse with a bad credit score could lead to higher interest rates.

So, it’s absolutely possible for a service member’s spouse to get on a VA loan. But veterans and service members should take a look at their spouse’s credit score and income before putting their name on the official application. A service member might decide to hold off if their spouse’s credit score is low.