With so many military personnel coming home from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is important for these new veterans to understand their eligibility and entitlement in the VA Home Loan Guarantee Program.

There are certain eligibility requirements you must meet in order to get a Certificate of Eligibility, which veterans need to take part in the loan program. For veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to be eligible they must:

• Have not received a dishonorable discharge.
• Have served 90 days on active duty during war time. If you have been in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least 90 days of active duty you are eligible.
• Have served less than 90 days, but were discharged due to a service related injury or disability.

For those veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who are members of the National Guard or the Reserves there are different eligibility requirements that need to be met. The eligibility for entitlement for the Reservists and National Guardsmen are:

• Have not had a dishonorable discharge.
• Have served at least 90 days active duty during war time. Any veteran, weather fully enlisted or part time reservists, is eligible for the program after this 90 day period of active duty.
• Have a total of 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves. This is for veterans who did not complete a full 90 days of active duty.
• Have retired, and are on the retired list.
• Have been discharged due to a service related injury or disability.

Start Your Loan Request

After you have determined your eligibility you can start looking into the process of getting a guarantee on a mortgage through the VA Home Loan Program. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan can use their entitlement to receive this benefit that will help with the purchase of a home. Start the process by:

• Finding a VA approved lender. Always look at more than one lender and pick the best deal.
• Get pre approved by the lender for a set amount you can spend on a home.
• Shop for the home and find the one that is right for you.