Can a Person Get a VA Loan If They Are Not Married

By Bethany Eanes

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers mortgage assistance in the form of a VA loan for qualified individuals. To qualify, you must be an active duty or veteran military service person in addition to meeting basic financial requirements. There is no marriage requirement for the loan. However, if you are married to another veteran, the VA may work with you to include your spouse on the loan.

There are two main reasons to include a spouse as a co-mortgager on your VA loan. Iif your spouse is also a veteran, he or she will additionally be eligible for a VA guarantee. This can significantly increase the loan guarantee amount you receive. The spouse's income will be considered when setting the overall loan limits. By combining both of your incomes, you can afford a bigger mortgage, giving you more money to spend on a home.

If you'd like to include a spouse as a co-mortgager, you will first need a copy of your marriage certificate. You will also both need to present your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. The lender will need to verify both parties will occupy the property; for example, if you are legally separated, you cannot share a VA loan. Both parties must qualify for one-half of the loan payment. Present your marriage certificate, Certificate of Eligibility and income verifications at the time you apply for your loan.

It is not always beneficial to include a spouse; for example, if your spouse has bad credit or low income, you may be better off applying as a sole mortgager. Your spouse can still appear on the deed to your home as a co-owner. The only difference in this case is you will not share the obligation to repay the mortgage. Joint VA mortgages are best when both parties are in a similar financial position.

If you are the spouse of a deceased veteran and have not remarried, you may be eligible for the benefit your spouse left behind. Further, if you received a loan with your spouse who is now deceased, the VA will assist you in obtaining an interest rate reduction refinance loan.

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