If you’re a veteran or a family member of a veteran, then you know that you’re entitled to a lot of benefits, which include accessing home loans. Through these VA loans, family members and veterans are able to buy, improve, or build a new home.

Usually, these loans give lower interest rates and require little to no down payments as compared to a regular mortgage. With this in mind, one may wonder if children of veterans can also benefit from getting VA loans.

To help you understand this scenario, then continue to read this article so you will know whether the non-dependent and dependent children of veterans can access VA loans.

What Is a VA Home Loan

A VA home loan allows eligible US veterans, surviving spouses, and current service members to build or buy a home, refinance mortgage and pay for home improvements. The US Department of Veterans Affairs can issue the loans or you may get them through a private lending company with VA backing.

What Are the Types of VA Home Loans

There are different types of VA home loans depending on how each can support one’s specific needs. Here is a list of VA home loans that are available to current service members, surviving spouses, and US veterans.

1. Cash-Out Refinance Loans

Cash-out refinance loans will allow you to draw on your home equity to get money for your essential needs such as house repairs, debts, home improvements, and tuition fees. This type of VA loan also allows you to refinance a non-VA loan into a VA-backed loan, giving you a lower interest rate.

2. Purchase Loans

You can use purchase loans to purchase a manufactured home, a condo, or a single-family house. Using a purchase loan, you can also build your family a new home. 

Purchase loans typically will not require you to maintain any private mortgage insurance and only need little to no down payments. As compared to regular mortgages, purchase loans simply have lower interest rates.

3. Native American Direct Loans

Native American direct loans are specifically designed for veterans who are Native Americans or have Native American spouses and wish to buy, renovate or build a new home located on the federal trust land area.

Aside from being a Native American or spouse, you need to secure the standard VA home requirements plus to show your tribal government entered into an agreement with the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

4. Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans

Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) loans are for homeowners who have an existing VA-backed mortgage but at the same time want to reduce their monthly mortgage payments. This is also known as streamline financing that can convert an existing loan with a variable interest rate or a lower interest rate to having a fixed rate.

Who Are Eligible to Access a VA Home Loan

Those who are eligible for VA Home Loans are the veterans, surviving spouses, and the current service members who can meet the following requirements: 

  • Meet the required qualifications for credit and income, as advised by the lender and the VA.
  • Qualify for the Certificate of Eligibility (VA-backed loan)
  • Plan to live in the house they intend to purchase

Other factors, such as character and length of service, duty status, and service commitments, may also affect one’s eligibility to get a particular loan benefit.

Can the Children of a Veteran Be Eligible for a VA Loan

The answer is no. Children of deceased or living veterans and current service members are NOT eligible for a VA home loan. Also, the children of living or deceased veterans and current service members cannot benefit even from preexisting VA loans. This rule applies to both non-dependent and dependent children.

What Housing Benefits Can the Children of a Veteran Get

Children of veterans and current service members can become the primary resident of the purchased home of the eligible borrower. However, this may vary depending on the lender and should be further discussed with the assigned loan officer in a financial institution.

Conclusion

VA Home loans can give eligible US veterans, surviving spouses, and current service members a chance to build or buy a home, refinance mortgage and pay for home improvements for a lower interest rate and with little to no down payment. Children of the veterans and current service members are not eligible to get a VA loan but can become primary residents depending on the lender and with the assistance of a loan officer.

Pennix Mortgage can help you get the best and lowest interest rate for a VA home loan. Contact us today and get pre-approved now.