Can Surviving Spouses Use a VA Loan? Eligibility Explained

Last updated: January 2026

Quick answer

Yes, eligible surviving spouses can use a VA loan. Unremarried spouses of veterans who died during active duty or from a service-connected cause may qualify for VA home loan benefits, often with zero down payment and no VA funding fee.

After the death of a spouse, housing stability becomes a major concern, especially for families who relied on military benefits. Many surviving spouses are unsure whether VA home loan benefits continue after their spouse passes away..

In reality, the VA loan program includes specific protections and eligibility pathways for surviving spouses.

Understanding who qualifies, how eligibility is confirmed, and what benefits remain available helps surviving spouses make informed housing decisions during a difficult time.

Who qualifies as a surviving spouse for a VA loan?

VA loan eligibility for surviving spouses is not automatic. It is based on specific criteria tied to the veteran’s service and the spouse’s marital status.

A surviving spouse may be eligible if:

• The veteran died while on active duty
• The veteran died from a service-connected disability
• The spouse has not remarried, with limited exceptions

In some cases, remarriage after a certain age may not disqualify eligibility, depending on the VA rules in effect at the time of application.

Eligibility is tied to the veteran’s service record, not the surviving spouse’s military service.

Service-connected death and eligibility

One of the most common eligibility paths involves a service-connected death.

A service-connected death generally means:

• The veteran’s death was caused or substantially contributed to by a condition linked to military service

The VA typically confirms this through Dependency and Indemnity Compensation eligibility or a formal service-connected determination.

Surviving spouses who qualify under this category often receive the full scope of VA loan benefits.

Death during active duty

If a service member dies while on active duty, the surviving spouse may qualify for VA loan benefits regardless of whether the death was combat-related.

This category recognizes that the service member had not yet completed their service but was actively serving at the time of death.

Remarriage rules and exceptions

Marital status plays a critical role in VA benefit eligibility.

General rules include:

• Unremarried surviving spouses are typically eligible
• Remarriage before a specified age may terminate eligibility
• Remarriage after a specified age may preserve eligibility

Because these rules can change and depend on individual circumstances, confirmation through a Certificate of Eligibility is essential.

How surviving spouses prove eligibility

To use a VA loan, surviving spouses must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility specifically issued to them.

This process usually requires:

• VA Form 26-1817
• Proof of marriage to the veteran
• Veteran’s death certificate
• Evidence of service-connected death, if applicable

Many lenders can help request the Certificate of Eligibility directly, simplifying the process.

VA loan benefits available to surviving spouses

Eligible surviving spouses receive many of the same benefits available to veterans.

Key benefits include:

• Zero down payment in most cases
• No monthly mortgage insurance
• Competitive interest rates
• Flexible credit guidelines

One significant advantage is that many surviving spouses are exempt from the VA funding fee, which further reduces upfront costs.

Using a VA loan as a surviving spouse

Surviving spouses may use a VA loan to:

• Purchase a primary residence
• Refinance an existing home
• Improve housing stability after a loss

The property must still be used as a primary residence, and standard income and credit qualifications apply.

Can surviving spouses reuse a VA loan?

Yes, in many cases. If eligibility remains intact and entitlement is available, surviving spouses may use the VA loan benefit multiple times.

Reuse scenarios include:

• Selling a VA-financed home and buying another
• Paying off a VA loan and restoring entitlement

Entitlement rules apply similarly to those for veterans, and planning matters when reusing the benefit.

Credit and income requirements still apply

While eligibility is based on the veteran’s service, loan approval depends on the surviving spouse’s financial profile.

Lenders review:

• Income stability
• Credit history
• Monthly debt obligations
• VA residual income requirements

The VA loan program is flexible but designed to support sustainable homeownership.

Common misconceptions about surviving spouse VA loans

Several myths cause confusion and missed opportunities.

Common misconceptions include:

• VA loan benefits end when the veteran dies
• Surviving spouses must be disabled to qualify
• VA loans are only for first-time use
• Remarriage always disqualifies eligibility

In reality, eligibility depends on specific service and marital criteria, not assumptions.

When a surviving spouse may not qualify

Some situations may prevent eligibility, such as:

• The veteran’s death was not service-connected
• The spouse remarried and does not meet the exception criteria
• Required documentation cannot be verified

Even in these cases, other mortgage options, such as FHA or USDA loans, may be available.

Finding clarity and support during the VA loan process

VA loan benefits for surviving spouses are designed to provide housing stability after a loss, but eligibility rules can be complex without guidance. Confirming eligibility early and working with a lender experienced in VA survivor benefits can prevent delays and confusion.

If you are a surviving spouse and want to understand whether you qualify for a VA loan, a personalized review can provide clear answers. To check eligibility, review your options, and receive guidance through each step, connect with a GO Mortgage loan officer today.

Frequently asked questions: Can surviving spouses use a VA loan