If you’re a veteran or service member, you may have heard about VA housing benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of housing support that goes far beyond just helping you buy a home. This guide will explore the different types of assistance available, from home loans to grants for disabled veterans and critical support for those facing homelessness.
The most well-known VA housing benefit is the home loan guaranty program. It’s a common misconception that the VA directly lends money. Instead, the VA guarantees a portion of the loan made by a private lender, like a bank or mortgage company. This guarantee protects the lender from loss if you fail to repay the loan, which allows them to offer you better terms.
Key Benefits of VA-Guaranteed Home Loans:
Types of VA Home Loans:
To get started with a VA loan, you will first need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove to the lender that you qualify for the benefit based on your service.
For veterans with certain service-connected disabilities, the VA offers grants to help build, buy, or modify a home to meet their needs. These grants can provide life-changing independence and do not need to be repaid.
The SAH grant helps veterans with specific, severe disabilities live independently in a barrier-free environment. This grant can be used to:
Eligibility is typically for veterans with disabilities such as the loss of use of both legs, blindness in both eyes, or certain severe burns.
The SHA grant is for veterans with specific service-connected disabilities that are less severe than those required for the SAH grant. This includes the loss of use of both hands, certain respiratory issues, or severe burn injuries. The grant can be used to:
If you are living temporarily in a family member’s home that needs modifications to meet your needs, the TRA grant may be available. This grant is for eligible veterans who qualify for either the SAH or SHA grant.
The VA is committed to ending veteran homelessness. They provide a range of services and initiatives designed to help veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
This is a collaborative program between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA. It combines HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. Veterans in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30% of their income toward rent. A VA case manager helps them access support services for physical health, mental health, and substance use problems.
The SSVF program provides grants to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives that assist low-income veteran families. These organizations provide a range of services designed to promote housing stability. This can include financial assistance for rent, utilities, and moving costs, as well as help with finding and retaining housing.
The VA’s GPD program funds community-based agencies that provide transitional housing and supportive services for homeless veterans. The goal is to help homeless veterans achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and income, and obtain greater self-determination.
If you have a VA-guaranteed home loan and are struggling to make your mortgage payments, the VA may be able to help you avoid foreclosure. It is critical to contact your mortgage servicer and the VA as soon as you think you might have a problem.
VA loan technicians can work with you and your lender to explore options, which may include:
The VA’s goal is to help you stay in your home, and early communication is the most important step.
How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)? You can apply for a COE online through the VA’s eBenefits portal, through your lender, or by mail. You will need to provide evidence of your military service, such as your DD-214.
Can I use my VA home loan benefit more than once? Yes. If you have fully paid off a previous VA loan, your full entitlement is typically restored. You may also be able to get another VA loan if you still have remaining entitlement.
Are surviving spouses eligible for VA housing benefits? Yes, in many cases. Unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability may be eligible for the home loan benefit. Other specific conditions may also apply.