A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that verifies to a mortgage lender that you meet the eligibility criteria for a VA-backed loan. This certificate is essential because it confirms that you have served the necessary amount of time in the military and are entitled to the VA loan benefits.
The COE is key because it:
Demonstrates your entitlement to the lender, allowing them to process your VA loan application.
Determines the amount of VA loan entitlement, which can influence your loan amount and the need for a down payment.
You can obtain your Certificate of Eligibility through several methods:
1) Online through the eBenefits Portal: This is the fastest way. You can log in and navigate to the VA loan section to apply for your COE if you already have an account.
2) Through Us: We can assist you in obtaining your COE through the VA’s online system. This process can often be completed in a matter of minutes through what is called the Web LGY system.
3) By Mail: You can also apply by mail using VA Form 26-1880, Request for Certificate of Eligibility. This method takes longer, usually several weeks.