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Veterans Affairs Home Loan Programs for Surviving Spouses

Benefit overview

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers three home loan programs to eligible surviving spouses of veterans and service members. These programs may be used to refinance a mortgage or help purchase, construct or improve a home. Certain surviving spouses may be eligible for the following programs:

  • Purchase loans
  • Cash-out refinance home loans
  • Interest rate reduction refinance loans

How this benefit helps

These programs help surviving spouses financially in a number of ways:

  • Lenders offer competitive interest rates on VA-backed purchase loans. This can help you buy, build, or improve a home — especially if you don’t want to make a down payment.
  • A VA-backed cash-out refinance loan lets you replace your current loan with a new one under different terms. This can help you get money you need now or help to save money by revising the terms of the loan.
  • An interest rate reduction refinance loan can help you reduce your monthly mortgage payments — or make your payments more stable. Refinancing lets you replace your current loan with a new one under different terms.
Image of Savings Piggy Bank

Save money with VA home loan programs for survivors

The VA’s home loan programs for survivors help you get a mortgage with more favorable rates or help to replace the terms of your mortgage to something more beneficial for you.

How to access this benefit

To get a VA-backed home loan as the surviving spouse of a veteran, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility to show your lender that you qualify for this benefit. How to apply for a COE depends on whether or not you’re receiving Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.

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