By Steven Hyde, Founder, Hyde Funding · NMLS #391380. Reviewed 2026-10-19. Hyde Funding is a mortgage lender headquartered in San Diego, lending nationwide since 2015, and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Short answer: You qualify for a VA home loan if you meet VA minimum service requirements and your lender’s credit and income standards. Most active-duty members qualify after 90 continuous days. Gulf War–era veterans need 24 continuous months or the full call-up period. Guard and Reserve members qualify with 90 days of qualifying active service or 6 creditable years. You prove eligibility with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
| Status | Minimum service (VA.gov) |
|---|---|
| Active-duty service member | 90 continuous days |
| Veteran, Aug 2, 1990 – present | 24 continuous months, or the full period (at least 90 days) ordered to active duty; less if discharged for a service-connected disability |
| National Guard | 90 days non-training Title 10 active duty; or 90 days active including 30 consecutive (32 USC 316/502–505); or 6 creditable years |
| Selected Reserve | 90 days non-training active duty, or 6 creditable years |
Earlier service periods have different rules (see VA.gov). Surviving spouses can qualify when the veteran died in service or from a service-connected disability (with remarriage rules), is MIA or a POW, or in certain cases was totally disabled. See VA loans for surviving spouses.
You may still qualify if discharged for hardship, convenience of the government (at least 20 months of a 2-year enlistment), early out (21 months of a 2-year enlistment), involuntary reduction in force, certain medical conditions, or a service-connected disability.
Request it online at VA.gov, or have your lender request it electronically through the VA portal. Lender requests are often the quickest. You will typically need a DD214 (veterans), a statement of service signed by your commander (active duty), or points statements (Guard/Reserve).
Your entitlement. A basic entitlement of $36,000 generally means full entitlement and no VA loan limit. See full entitlement explained.
Active-duty members generally need 90 continuous days. Veterans who served after August 2, 1990, generally need 24 continuous months or the full period they were called to active duty (at least 90 days).
Yes, with at least 90 days of qualifying active service or 6 creditable years in the Guard (still serving, honorably discharged, or retired).
The VA does not set one. Hyde Funding reviews every credit profile, so apply even if your credit is not perfect. If your credit needs significant work, we can refer you to a trusted credit repair partner.
Active-duty members use a statement of service instead of a DD214. Your lender can usually pull your COE electronically.
Talk to Steven: (858) 775-1005 · Free VA consultation · Apply now
Steven Hyde, NMLS #391380. Equal Housing Opportunity. Hyde Funding is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the VA. This is general information, not a loan commitment; terms depend on credit, income, property, and lender approval.