Survivors
Housing Assistance for Surviving Spouses
Certain surviving spouses are eligible for a VA-backed home loan to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home.
Who this is for
In plain language
What Housing Assistance for Surviving Spouses covers
- VA-backed loans often need no down payment and no private mortgage insurance
- Available to eligible surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected cause
- Help managing the loan and avoiding foreclosure
The full picture
Everything you need to know
Nothing hidden behind a click. Here is the whole story in plain language, so you can decide what fits your situation.
Key facts & current figures
- Surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected cause can get a VA-backed home loan, often with no down payment and no PMI.
- You will need a Certificate of Eligibility for surviving spouses (VA Form 26-1817).
- The benefit can also help you refinance or avoid foreclosure.
General figures, current as of December 2025 and reviewed each year. Your exact amount depends on your situation - always confirm on va.gov.
Who qualifies as a surviving spouse
- A surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability, or who was rated totally disabled for a required period, may be eligible for a VA-backed home loan.
- Surviving spouses who remarry on or after age 57 may still keep this eligibility.
What the loan can do
- You can buy, build, improve, or refinance a home, often with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.
- The VA also has staff who can step in to help you work with the lender and avoid foreclosure if you fall behind.
The form that starts it, and a fee you skip
- Request a Certificate of Eligibility for surviving spouses using VA Form 26-1817, or let a VA-approved lender pull it for you, then shop for that lender.
- Surviving spouses are exempt from the VA funding fee, which can save thousands of dollars at closing.
Your family’s complete benefit picture
You do not have to sort this out alone
Housing Assistance for Surviving Spouses often stacks with the other benefits below. Our free assistant explains it in plain language, and an accredited specialist can review your situation at no cost.
A clear path forward
Your step-by-step action plan
No rush and no pressure - but a little order helps. Applying is always free.
First
See what you qualify for
Certain surviving spouses are eligible for a VA-backed home loan to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home.
Gather
Collect your documents
Pull your DD-214 and any records that support your claim - we can help you figure out exactly what you need.
File it - always free
Apply for the benefit
Request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as a surviving spouse, then work with a VA-approved lender.
Who to call & where to go
These are free, official VA lines. Have your Social Security number handy when you call.
VA Home Loans & Housing Grants
Home loan guaranty and adapted-housing grants (SAH/SHA).
VA Benefits Hotline
Compensation, pension, and general claim questions.
Rather have us handle it?
No phone tag, no hold music. Call our office and a real, VA-accredited person walks you through it - start to finish.
702-992-4883Download the forms
Not sure where to start?
Request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as a surviving spouse, then work with a VA-approved lender.
More support for survivors & family
These often go hand in hand - tap any card to learn more.
Get a free benefit review
Tell us how to reach you and an accredited team member will help you understand this benefit and claim everything you have earned. No cost, no obligation.
Not sure if this applies to you?
Ask our free assistant a few plain questions and get an honest read on what you and your family may qualify for - at no cost.
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