To be eligible for the VA home loan benefit, it falls into two categories: wartime and peacetime. The veteran must satisfy one of the requirements set by the Department of Veteran Affairs in order to use the VA home loan benefit.

VA requirements states that a veteran that served during wartime must have been on active duty for 90 consecutive days. Those who served during peacetime must have served a minimum of 181 days. Veterans of the National Guard or Reserves must have served for at least 6 years, unless otherwise eligible. Spouses of a service member that has died in the line of duty or has passed away from service related disability are eligible for a VA home loan.