Eligibility & COE

Eligibility depends on when and how long you served and your character of discharge. These are general rules; VA makes the final determination.

Active duty and Veterans

• Currently serving: generally at least 90 continuous days of active service.
• Veterans (served after Aug 2, 1990): generally 24 continuous months, or the full period (at least 90 days) you were called to active duty, or at least 90 days if discharged for hardship, early-out, or reduction in force, or less than 90 days if discharged for a service-connected disability.
• Earlier service eras have different minimums. Check VA's chart for your dates.
• Discharge must generally be other than dishonorable.

National Guard and Reserve

Generally eligible with 6 creditable years in the Selected Reserve or Guard, or 90 days of active service (including at least 30 consecutive days for Guard Title 32 service), or a discharge for a service-connected disability.

Surviving spouses

May be eligible if the Veteran died in service or from a service-connected disability, was missing in action or a prisoner of war, or was totally disabled and certain conditions apply. Remarriage rules apply (for example, remarrying on or after age 57 may not affect eligibility). Surviving spouses receiving DIC are exempt from the funding fee.

Getting your COE

1. Through your lender. This is usually the fastest; most COEs are pulled online in minutes.
2. Online at VA.gov.
3. By mail using VA Form 26-1880.

Have ready: DD214 (Veterans), a statement of service signed by your commander or personnel office (active duty, and Guard/Reserve who haven't been discharged), or NGB-22 / retirement points statement (Guard/Reserve). Surviving spouses use VA Form 26-1817 or apply for DIC.

Ask Aaron to pull your COE

Sources: Eligibility requirements · Request a COE · Surviving spouse