The VBA VA 26-1880 form is an application used by veterans to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for a VA home loan. This form helps veterans access benefits that can assist them in purchasing a home. To get started on your application, click the button below.
The VBA VA 26-1880 form plays a crucial role for veterans seeking education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This application is essential for veterans who wish to access funding for various educational programs, including college, vocational training, and on-the-job training. Completing the form accurately is vital to ensure timely processing and approval of benefits. Veterans must provide personal information, service details, and educational goals. The form also requires documentation to support the application, such as proof of military service and any previous educational achievements. Understanding the requirements and implications of the VBA VA 26-1880 form can significantly impact a veteran's educational journey, opening doors to valuable resources and opportunities.
OMB Control No. 2900-0086
Respondent Burden: 15 minutes
Expiration Date: 10/31/2025
FOR VA USE ONLY
MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION TO THE
COE REF. NO.
REGIONAL LOAN CENTER OF
REQUEST FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
JURISDICTION. SEE PAGE 4 FOR
REGIONAL LOAN CENTER ADDRESSES.
IMPORTANT: For faster processing, VA encourages you to visit www.va.gov for your Certificate of Eligibility, or contact the lender of your choice to submit an application electronically. In most cases, an eligibility determination can be made instantly.
NOTE: Please read Privacy Act Information on page 2 before completing this form. If additional space is required, attach a separate sheet.
SECTION I: VETERAN'S IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
1. NAME OF VETERAN TO APPEAR ON COE (First, Middle Initial, Last)
2A. DID YOU SERVE UNDER ANOTHER NAME?
YES (If "Yes," complete Item 2B)
NO (If "No," skip to Item 3)
2B. OTHER NAME(S) USED DURING MILITARY SERVICE (If different from name shown in Item 1)
3.CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS (Number and street or rural route, P.O. Box, City, State, and ZIP Code)
4. DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YYYY)
5. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
6. SERVICE NUMBER (If applicable)
7. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include Area Code)
8. EMAIL ADDRESS (If applicable)
9A. WERE YOU DISCHARGED, RETIRED, OR SEPARATED FROM SERVICE BECAUSE OF DISABILITY?
9B. VA CLAIM NUMBER (If known)
YES (If "Yes," complete Item 9B)
NO
SECTION II: MILITARY SERVICE INFORMATION (See Instructions For Proof of Service on Page 3)
10A. ARE YOU CURRENTLY ON ACTIVE DUTY?
10B. ARE YOU A PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT?
10C. DO YOU HAVE A PRE-DISCHARGE CLAIM PENDING WITH
VA?
YES
YES (If "Yes," see instructions, page 3)
NO (If "No," skip to Item 11)
IMPORTANT: Please provide your dates of
service. In many cases eligibility can be
BRANCH OF
DATE ENTERED
DATE SEPARATED
established based on data in VA systems.
SERVICE
However, it is recommended that proof of
service be provided, if readily available.
11A. ACTIVE SERVICE - Do not include any
periods of Active Duty for Training or Active
Guard Reserve service. Do include any
Reserve or Guard Unit activation under Title
10 U.S.C. or full time National Guard Duty
under Title 32 U.S.C. Sections 316, 502,
503, 504 or 505.
11B. RESERVE OR NATIONAL GUARD SERVICE - Include any periods of Active Duty for Training (ADT) or Active Guard Reserve service. Do not include any Reserve or Guard unit activation under Title 10 U.S.C. or Full Time National Guard Duty under Title 32 U.S.C. Sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505.
SECTION III: INFORMATION REGARDING PREVIOUS VA LOANS (See Instructions on Page 3)
12. INDICATE HOW YOU WILL USE YOUR CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY? (Check appropriate box)
ENTITLEMENT INQUIRY ONLY
PURCHASE A HOME
CASH-OUT REFINANCE
INTEREST RATE REDUCTION REFINANCE LOAN
13A. HAVE YOU USED THE VA HOME LOAN PROGRAM BEFORE?
13B. DO YOU STILL OWN ANY OF THE HOMES YOU USED THE VA HOME LOAN PROGRAM FOR?
YES (If "Yes," complete Item 13B)
YES (If "Yes," complete Items 14A thru 16D if applicable)
NO (If "No," skip to Item 19A)
PREVIOUS VA LOANS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 3 - If additional space is needed for all homes use Item 18, Remarks or attach a separate sheet)
14A. COMPLETE ADDRESS
14B. LOAN NUMBER
14C. DATE OF LOAN
14D. ARE YOU APPLYING FOR ENTITLEMENT RESTORATION?
(Month and Year)
NO, ENTITLEMENT INQUIRY ONLY
CASH-OUT REFINANCE RESTORATION
INTEREST RATE REDUCTION REFINANCE
ONE-TIME RESTORATION (NOTE: See Instructions on page 3)
VA FORM
26-1880
SUPERSEDES VA FORM 26-1880, APR 2021,
Page 1
OCT 2022
WHICH WILL NOT BE USED.
SECTION III: INFORMATION REGARDING PREVIOUS VA LOANS (CONTINUED) (See Instructions on Page 3)
15A. COMPLETE ADDRESS
15B. LOAN NUMBER
15C. DATE OF LOAN
15D. ARE YOU APPLYING FOR ENTITLEMENT RESTORATION?
16A. COMPLETE ADDRESS
16B. LOAN NUMBER
16C. DATE OF LOAN
16D. ARE YOU APPLYING FOR ENTITLEMENT RESTORATION?
17A. DO YOU STILL OWN A PROPERTY THAT WAS FINANCED WITH A VA HOME LOAN THAT HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED BY A FEDERALLY DECLARED NATURAL DISASTER?
YES (If "Yes," complete Items 17B thru 17D)
17B. DATE OF LOAN (Month and Year)
17C. DATE OF LOSS (Month and Year)
17D. ADDRESS OF PROPERTY
18. REMARKS (If any)
SECTION IV: CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE
I CERTIFY THAT the statements in this document are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
19A. SIGNATURE OF VETERAN (Do NOT print)
19B. DATE SIGNED (MM/DD/YYYY)
FEDERAL STATUTES PROVIDE SEVERE PENALTIES FOR FRAUD, INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTATION, CRIMINAL CONNIVANCE OR CONSPIRACY PURPOSED TO INFLUENCE THE ISSUANCE OF ANY GUARANTY OR INSURANCE BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (e.g. 18 U.S.C. § 1001, 372 and 287)
PRIVACY ACT INFORMATION: VA will not disclose information collected on this form to any source other than what has been authorized under the Privacy Act of 1974 or Title 38, Code of
Federal Regulations 1.576 for routine uses (for example: the authorized release of information to Congress when requested for statistical purposes) identified in the VA system of records, 55VA26, Loan Guaranty Home, Condominium and Manufactured Home Loan Applicant Records, Specially Adapted Housing Applicant Records, and Vendee Loan Applicant Records - VA, published in the Federal Register. Your response is required in order to obtain or retain benefits. Giving us your SSN account information is voluntary. Refusal to provide your SSN by itself will not result in the denial of benefits. VA will not deny an individual benefits for refusing to provide his or her SSN unless the disclosure of the SSN is required by Federal Statute of law in effect prior to January 1, 1975, and still in effect.
RESPONDENT BURDEN: This information is needed to help determine a veteran's qualifications for a VA guaranteed home loan. Title 38, U. S.C., section 3702, authorizes collection of this information. We estimate that you will need an average of 15 minutes to review the instructions, find the information, and complete this form. VA cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed. You are not required to respond to a collection of information if this number is not displayed. Valid OMB control numbers can be located on the OMB Internet Page at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
VA FORM 26-1880, OCT 2022
Page 2
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VA FORM 26-1880
SECTION I. VETERAN'S IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Item 1 - Tell us your complete name, as you would like it to appear on your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). If this name is different than what is shown on your service documents or in VA records provide documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document to support the request. Do NOT send originals, copies of these documents are acceptable.
Item 2A - Indicate if you served under another name, provide the name as it appears on your discharge certificate (DD Form 214).
Item 2B - Provide the name as it appears on your discharge certificate (DD Form 214)
Item 9B - In most cases your claim number is the same as your Social Security number. If you are not sure about this number, leave this field blank.
SECTION II. MILITARY SERVICE INFORMATION
Item 10A - Indicate if you are currently serving on active duty.
Item 10B - The VA funding fee may not be collected from a member of the Armed Forces who is currently serving on active duty and has been awarded the Purple Heart. You may be asked to provide evidence of having been awarded the Purple Heart. Note: Activations under Title 32 orders are not considered active duty for the purpose of a funding fee exemption.
Item 10C - The VA funding fee may not be collected from a veteran who rated eligible to receive compensation as the result of a pre-discharge disability examination and rating or based on a pre-discharge review of existing medical evidence (including service medical and treatment records) that results in the issuance of a memorandum rating. Note: If the proposed or memorandum rating is not obtained and a closing takes place, the funding fee exemption does not apply, and the
service-member will not be entitled to a refund.
Items 11A and 11B - List your periods of military service.
Item 11A - Active Service: full-time duty in the Armed forces, other than active duty for training. The best evidence to show your service is your discharge certificate
(DD Form 214), which indicates both character of service and the narrative reason for separation. A copy is acceptable. Note: Cases involving other than honorable discharges will usually.require further development by VA. This is necessary to determine if the service was under other than dishonorable conditions.
If you are currently serving on regular active duty, eligibility can usually be established based on data in VA systems. However, in some situations you may be asked to provide a statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. The statement may be in any format; usually a standard or bulleted memo is sufficient. It should identify you by name and social security number and provide: (1) your date of entry on your current active- duty period and (2) the duration of any time lost (or a statement noting there has been no time lost). Generally, this should be on military letterhead.
National Guard members who served full time duty (only includes activations considered Full Time National Guard duty that is not inactive duty) under Title 32, U.S.C. sections 316, 502, 503, 504 or 505, may provide a DD Form 220, DD Form 214 or Report of Active Service, accompanied by orders for the same period is also acceptable. Copies are acceptable. If you are still serving on the activation, you should provide a statement of service that indicates (1) your date of entry on your current active-duty period and (2) the duration of any time lost (or a statement noting there has been no time lost), type of orders, if orders are for training, entry date for your current activation. Generally, this should be on military letterhead.
Item 11B - National Guard Service/Selected Reserve Service: You may submit for Selected Reserve Service Retirement Points Accounting and evidence of discharge which indicates the character of service, or their equivalent. For National Guard Service you may submit NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service or NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, or their equivalent. If you are still serving in the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters showing your date of entry and the number of creditable years (years in which you earned more that 15 points). At least 6 years of honorable service must be documented.
SECTION III - INFORMATION REGARDING PREVIOUS LOANS
Your eligibility is reusable depending on the circumstances. Generally, if you have paid off your prior VA loan and no longer own the home, you can have your used eligibility restored for additional use. Also, on a one-time only basis, you may have your eligibility restored if your prior VA loan has been paid in full but you still own the home. Generally, VA receives notification that a loan has been paid. In some instances, it may be necessary to include evidence that a previous VA loan has been paid in full. Evidence can be in the form of a paid-in-full statement from the former lender, a satisfaction of mortgage from the clerk of court in the county where the home is located, or a copy of the HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure settlement statement completed in connection with a sale of the home or refinance of the prior loan. Many counties post public documents (like the satisfaction of mortgage) online.
ITEM 12 - Indicate how you will use your certificate of eligibility.
ITEM 13A - Indicate if you have ever had a VA-guaranteed home loan.
ITEM 13B - Indicate if you still own any homes you financed with a VA-guaranteed loan.
ITEMS 14D, 15D, 16D - Select the applicable type of restoration being requested. Indicate if you are applying for a restoration of entitlement.
•Regular (cash-out) Refinance - You may refinance your current VA or non-VA loan in order to pay off the mortgage and/or other liens of record on the home. This type of refinance requires an appraisal and credit qualifying.
•Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan (IRRRL) - You may refinance the balance of your current VA loan in order to obtain a lower interest rate or convert a VA adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate. The new loan may not exceed the sum of the outstanding balance on the existing VA loan, plus allowable fees and closing costs, including VA funding fee and up to 2 discount points. You may also add up to $6,000 of energy efficiency improvements into the loan.
•One-Time Restoration. If you have paid off your VA loan, but still own the home purchased with that loan, you may apply for a one-time only restoration of your entitlement in order to purchase another home that will be your primary residence. Once you have used your one-time restoration, you must sell all homes before any other entitlement can be restored.
ITEM 17A - Disaster related. Indicate if you still own a home that was destroyed or substantially damaged by a Federally Declared Natural Disaster.
Page 3
If you live in:
Please send your completed application to:
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Department of Veterans Affairs
Tennessee
Atlanta Regional Loan Center
P.O. Box 100023
Decatur, GA 30031-7023
Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maine,
Massachusetts, Michigan, New
Cleveland Regional Loan Center
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
1240 East Ninth Street
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Cleveland, OH 44199
Vermont
Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana,
Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Denver Regional Loan Center
Box 25126
Denver, CO 80225
Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas
VA Regional Office
Loan Guaranty Division (26)
459 Patterson Road
Honolulu, HI 96819
Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas
Houston Regional Loan Center
6900 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77030-4200
Arizona, California, New Mexico,
Nevada
Phoenix Regional Loan Center
3333 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012-2402
District of Columbia, Kentucky,
Maryland
Roanoke Regional Loan Center
Virginia, West Virginia
210 Franklin Road, S.W.
Roanoke, VA 24011
Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
St. Paul Regional Loan Center
Dakota, Wisconsin
1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling
St. Paul, MN 55111-4050
Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Puerto
Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Petersburg Regional Loan Center
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
St. Petersburg, FL 33744
Page 4
Completing the VBA VA 26-1880 form is essential for veterans seeking to apply for education benefits. Follow these steps carefully to ensure accurate submission.
After submission, keep a copy of the completed form and any attachments for your records. Await confirmation from the VA regarding the status of your application.
The VBA VA 26-1880 form, also known as the Application for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, is used by veterans to apply for services that help them prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment. This form is part of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, which supports veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Eligibility for the VBA VA 26-1880 form generally includes veterans who have a service-connected disability and require assistance in obtaining or maintaining employment. Specific eligibility criteria can vary, so it’s important for applicants to review the requirements outlined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Filling out the form involves providing personal information, details about your military service, and information regarding your disability. The form may require documentation to support your claims, such as medical records or employment history. It’s advisable to read the instructions carefully and complete all sections to avoid delays in processing.
You can obtain the VBA VA 26-1880 form from the official VA website. It is also available at VA regional offices and various veterans' service organizations. If you prefer, you can request a paper form to be mailed to you.
After submitting the form, you should receive confirmation from the VA acknowledging receipt of your application. It is important to keep track of your application status. You can do this by contacting the VA directly or checking online through your VA account.
The processing time for the VBA VA 26-1880 form can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of your case and the current workload of the VA. Generally, it may take several weeks to a few months. Keeping in touch with the VA can help you stay informed about your application status.
Yes, if your application for vocational rehabilitation and employment is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves submitting a written request for reconsideration, along with any additional evidence that supports your case. It’s beneficial to seek assistance from a veterans' service organization to navigate the appeals process effectively.
Yes, there are numerous resources available to assist you. Veterans' service organizations, such as the American Legion or Disabled American Veterans (DAV), offer free assistance in completing the form. Additionally, the VA website provides comprehensive information and guides on the application process.
Filling out the VBA VA 26-1880 form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can delay their application. One frequent error is not providing accurate personal information. This includes full names, addresses, and social security numbers. Ensure that all details are correct and match your official documents.
Another mistake involves neglecting to sign the form. A signature is essential, as it verifies the authenticity of the application. Without it, the form may be considered incomplete, leading to unnecessary delays.
Many applicants also fail to check the eligibility requirements before filling out the form. Understanding what qualifies you for benefits can save time and effort. Review the criteria to ensure you meet all necessary conditions before submission.
Inadequate documentation is another common issue. Applicants often forget to include required supporting documents. Make sure to gather all necessary paperwork, such as service records or income statements, to accompany your application.
Some individuals overlook the importance of reviewing the form for errors before submission. Simple typos or missing information can lead to complications. Take the time to double-check your entries for accuracy.
Additionally, applicants may not keep copies of their submitted forms. Retaining a copy is crucial for tracking the status of your application and for future reference. Always make a copy before sending your form.
Another mistake is submitting the form without adhering to the submission guidelines. Each form may have specific instructions regarding where and how to send it. Following these guidelines closely can prevent delays.
Lastly, failing to follow up on your application can lead to missed opportunities. After submitting the form, check in periodically to ensure that it is being processed. Staying proactive can help you address any issues that may arise.
The VBA VA 26-1880 form is essential for veterans seeking to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for a VA home loan. However, several other forms and documents often accompany this application to ensure a smooth process. Below is a list of commonly used documents that help support the application and verify eligibility.
Having these documents prepared and organized can significantly enhance the efficiency of the application process. Ensuring that all necessary information is submitted will help veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner.
The VBA VA 26-1880 form is an important document used by veterans seeking to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for a VA home loan. Several other documents serve similar purposes in various contexts related to veterans' benefits and loans. Here’s a list of ten documents that share similarities with the VA 26-1880 form:
When filling out the VBA VA 26-1880 form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here are some things you should and shouldn't do:
Following these tips can help streamline the process and avoid delays in your application.
The VBA VA 26-1880 form is often misunderstood. Here are seven common misconceptions about this form, clarified for better understanding:
It is only for veterans who want to buy a home. Many believe this form is exclusively for home purchases. In reality, it is used to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for various VA loan benefits, including refinancing options.
Only active-duty service members can use this form. This is not true. Veterans who have served honorably, as well as active-duty service members, can apply for the benefits using this form.
Filling out the form guarantees loan approval. While the form is necessary to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, it does not guarantee that a loan will be approved. Lenders have their own criteria that must be met.
It’s a complicated process. Many people think the process is overly complicated. However, the form is straightforward, and resources are available to help guide applicants through it.
You can only submit the form once. This is incorrect. Veterans can submit the form multiple times if they are seeking different benefits or if their circumstances change.
All veterans are eligible for VA loans. While many veterans qualify, eligibility depends on service length, type of discharge, and other factors. The form helps determine specific eligibility.
You must apply in person. Some think that submitting the form requires an in-person visit. In fact, it can often be completed and submitted online or via mail, making it more accessible.
Understanding these misconceptions can help veterans navigate the process more effectively and take advantage of the benefits available to them.
When filling out the VBA VA 26-1880 form, which is essential for veterans seeking to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for a VA home loan, there are several key points to keep in mind:
By keeping these takeaways in mind, veterans can navigate the application process more smoothly and increase their chances of securing a VA home loan.