Who may qualify
- Unremarried spouse of a service member who died in service or from a service-connected disability.
- Spouse who remarried at age 57 or older, on or after December 16, 2003.
- Spouse of a service member who is missing in action or a prisoner of war (for at least 90 days).
- Some spouses of veterans who were rated totally disabled and whose death wasn't service-connected may qualify in certain cases.
Your benefits
- $0 down with full entitlement and no monthly PMI.
- No funding fee if you receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
- California's disabled veterans' property tax exemption may continue for an unmarried surviving spouse — see the guide.
Applying
Surviving spouses apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with VA Form 26-1817 (or with your DIC application). We'll help you gather the documents and walk you through it.
Common questions
Do surviving spouses pay the VA funding fee?
Not if they receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Can I use a VA loan if I remarried?
If you remarried at age 57 or older on or after December 16, 2003, you can still be eligible.
How do I get a COE as a surviving spouse?
Apply with VA Form 26-1817, or through your DIC application. We can help you with the process.
See your real numbers
Our free calculator uses 2026 pay tables, BAH by ZIP and VA residual income standards. About 2 minutes, no credit pull.
Educational information only, not a commitment to lend or a loan approval. VA guidelines and lender requirements change; your eligibility and terms depend on your full application, credit, income and VA entitlement.