For veterans who have service-connected disabilities rated at 100% by the VA, purchasing a home can be a challenging process. Navigating mortgage options and ensuring you maximize your benefits is key.
Luckily, the VA home loan program offers distinct advantages for 100% disabled veterans. This government-backed mortgage has more flexible guidelines, requires no down payment, and waives certain fees.
As a 100% disabled veteran exploring homeownership, you likely have questions like
- What unique VA loan benefits can I access due to my disability rating?
- How does my VA disability income impact my mortgage eligibility?
- What grants or other programs are available to help me buy and modify a home?
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about obtaining a VA mortgage as a 100% disabled veteran. Follow our tips to secure your ideal home and start building equity.
Overview of VA Loans
VA home loans are issued by private lenders but backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Designed to help veterans and service members buy homes, they offer significant advantages over conventional mortgages.
Some key features include:
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No Down Payment – VA loans require 0% down for qualified buyers. This removes the biggest hurdle most first-time buyers face.
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Lenient Credit Guidelines – VA loans allow credit scores as low as 580 and higher debt-to-income ratios. This helps more buyers qualify.
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No Mortgage Insurance – Borrowers are not required to pay monthly mortgage insurance with a VA loan. This saves money each month.
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Funding Fee Waivers – Disabled veterans can have the VA funding fee waived, saving 1-3% of the loan amount.
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Rate Advantages – VA loan rates are very competitive with other low down payment options.
VA Loan Eligibility for 100% Disabled Veterans
To qualify for a VA home loan as a 100% disabled veteran, you must meet the program’s standard eligibility guidelines. These include:
- Served minimum duty requirements and were discharged under favorable conditions
- Provide documentation of your service-connected disability rating
- Occupy the home as your primary residence
- Meet lender underwriting requirements like credit score, income, and debt ratios
Your specific disability status does not impact your overall eligibility. 100% disabled veterans have the same qualification path as all other VA loan applicants.
Meeting a lender’s credit and income requirements is key for approval. The better your credit and finances, the easier it will be to get a VA mortgage.
Key VA Loan Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a 100% service connected disability rating qualify for several exclusive VA home loan perks. Let’s explore some of the top benefits.
1. No VA Funding Fee
The VA charges a funding fee on all purchase and refinance loans, which is typically 2-3% of the loan amount. It is paid at closing and cannot be financed into the loan.
However, 100% disabled veterans are fully exempt from paying this fee. This waiver saves you thousands at closing. For example, on a $300,000 loan the fee is $6,000 for most buyers.
2. Count Disability Income
Lenders can count VA disability pay as effective income when you apply for a mortgage. This allows you to qualify for a higher loan amount.
Reliable disability income improves debt-to-income ratios. Document your award letter to verify your monthly payment amount.
3. Potential Property Tax Savings
Many states and counties offer property tax breaks for disabled veterans and seniors. The exemptions can reduce your annual taxes by thousands.
Check with your local tax assessor to see if you qualify for reduced property taxes. This can stretch your home buying budget further each month.
Using Grants to Buy and Modify a Home
On top of VA loans, certain disabled veterans can access housing grants from the VA to help purchase or alter a home.
There are three types of grants you may qualify for:
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Specially Adapted Housing Grant – Up to $117,214 to construct or modify a home for wheelchair access or other major disabilities.
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Special Home Adaptation Grant – Up to $22,443 to improve accessibility and mobility features.
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Temporary Residence Adaptation Grant – Up to $47,130 if temporarily living in a family member’s home that requires adaptations.
Consult with the VA to determine your specific eligibility. These grants provide thousands in funds to make owning a home more feasible for seriously disabled veterans.
Finding the Best VA Mortgage Lender
As a 100% disabled veteran, make sure to find a reputable VA lender you can trust during the mortgage process. Seek out an experienced lender that specializes in VA loans.
Ask prospective lenders questions like:
- How many years have you been doing VA loans?
- Can you walk me through the entire VA loan process start to finish?
- What are the credit and income requirements to qualify?
- What grants or down payment help can I access with my disability?
Shop around and compare options from a few lenders. Check customer reviews and verify licensing before selecting who to work with. A knowledgeable lender will inform you of your full benefits and guide you through an efficient application.
Buying a Home as a 100% Disabled Veteran
Purchasing a home with disability compensation can be tricky – but extremely rewarding. Follow the guidance above to demystify the complex mortgage process and take advantage of your full VA loan perks.
Tap into grants, seek local tax breaks, and work with a specialized lender. With the right preparation, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your dream of homeownership.
Owning a home provides financial stability, satisfaction, and an improved quality of life. All veterans deserve those benefits – 100% disabled or not. Don’t let your disability hold you back. You’ve earned this opportunity, now go make it happen!
Main pillars of the VA home loan benefit
- No downpayment required (*Note: Lenders may require downpayments for some borrowers using the VA home loan guaranty, but VA does not require a downpayment)
- Competitively low interest rates
- Limited closing costs
- No need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
- The VA home loan is a lifetime benefit: you can use the guaranty multiple times
Read our guide for buying a home
Before you buy, be sure to read the VA Home Loan Buyers Guide. This guide can help you under the homebuying process and how to make the most of your VA loan benefit. Download the Buyers Guide here.
How Much Home Can a 100% Disabled Veteran Afford in Texas?
FAQ
Can you get a home loan with 100% VA disability?
Can you borrow 100% of the home value for a VA loan?
Do disabled veterans pay closing costs on VA loans?
What is a 100 percent disabled veteran home loan?
While all eligible VA loan borrowers can take advantage of the VA loan zero down payment requirement and competitive interest rates, the 100 percent disabled veteran home loan allows disabled borrowers to avoid the VA funding fee and save thousands of dollars on their loan.
What VA loan benefits are available for disabled veterans?
For disabled Veterans, regardless of their disability percentage, there are two additional VA loan benefits: the VA funding fee exemption and the ability to count disability income. We’ll discuss these benefits in more detail below.
How much does a VA loan cost for disabled veterans?
That means most veterans who take out a loan for $200,000 will need to pay a funding fee of $4,300. So qualifying for a VA funding fee exemption can offer significant savings to disabled veterans. Another VA loan benefit for disabled veterans is that in many cases, they can include their disability compensation as income toward a mortgage.
Are there home loans for veterans on disability?
Depending on your needs, there are three home loans for veterans on disability: The purchase loan is used to purchase a home with zero percent down and low VA loan rates. This standard VA mortgage allows you to purchase a primary residence with better terms and rates than a conventional loan.