Loan Certificate of Eligibility

What is a COE? Certificate of Eligibility.

A COE is your entitlement from the VA saying you are eligible to get a VA loan. It also determines how much the VA is willing to guarantee or back to the bank in the case of a defaulted loan.

The Certificate of Eligibility is one of the first steps that you must take in order to get a VA direct or VA-backed home loan. 

Below, we outline the documentation you will need. It is important to remember the information you need is based on the category that you fall under.

How to Get a COE

Here at Creekside Mortgage, we can help you! If you’re interested in the VA loan process then your first step is to get your Certificate of Eligibility taken care of. You have multiple choices when going about getting a COE. You can start right here, go directly to the eBenefits portal, or mail in your documentation. 

One benefit of working with us is that we have specialists who can walk you through the Certificate of Eligibility process. 

Documentation Needed – Category Based

Prior Service/Veterans

If you’re a veteran, you should have a form called DD214. You will need to present a copy of this to prove your service. 

Service Members

If you’re currently an active-duty servicemember, you will need to present a statement of services that is signed by a personnel officer, commander, or adjutant. This statement must also include the following information:

• Full name
• Social security number
• Date of birth
• The date that you entered duty 
• The duration of any lost time

The name of the commander, personnel officer, or adjutant also must be included in the statement. It is important to have all of this information in the statement or else the process could be delayed. 

Current or Former Activated – National Guard or Reserves

Just like with veterans, any current or former activated National Guard or Reserves members must present a copy of their DD214 form. 

Current or Former Never Been Activated – National Guard or Reserves

Just like with service members, you’ll need to present a statement of services that is signed by a personnel officer, commander, or adjutant. This statement must also include the following information: 

• Full name
• Social security number
• Date of birth
• The date that you entered duty 
• The total amount of creditable years of service
• The duration of any lost time

Discharged National Guard – Never Activated

If you’re a discharged member of the National Guard and you were never activated, your circumstance will be slightly different. Instead of a DD214 Form, you will need your NGB Form 22 for each period of National Guard service, which is a report of separation and a record of service. 

You will also be required to present your NGB Form 23 which is your retired points statement as well as proof of the character of service. 

Discharged Reserves – Never Activated

If you’re a discharged member of the Reserves that was never activated, you will only have to present a copy of your latest annual retirement points and proof of your honorable service. 

What Happens Next?

These forms are sent to the VA to get your COE. Once you get it, you’re good moving forward. You may have to update information periodically, if you bought a house, because it has a section to show what amount of your entitlement is left over. 

Ultimately though, once you get that Certificate of Eligibility, you can have it maintained and it is good forever. 

Contact us Today!

Our team here at Creekside Mortgage would be happy to walk you through the Certificate of Eligibility process. If you have questions, contact us today. Shoot us an email or give us a call, we are here to help you.