Every Surviving Spouse Should Know: Your U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Home-Loan Benefit May Still Be Available

 VA Loan for Surviving Spouse of a deceased Veteran is a little known VA benefit.  John Thomas, a VA Loan Expert with Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI), helps veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses access the full power of their VA home-loan benefits. Too often, surviving spouses of America’s heroes miss out on this valuable opportunity simply because they never knew they qualified. This article explains who is eligible, what benefits are available, and how surviving spouses can take advantage of the program their loved one earned through service to the United States.  Have questions or want to get started right away?  Call VA Loan Officer John Thomas at 302-703-0727 or APPLY ONLINE

What’s the benefit?

The VA home-loan guaranty is often thought of as a benefit for veterans and active duty. But in certain circumstances, it also extends to surviving spouses of veterans or service members. This means you may be eligible to purchase or refinance a home — often with no down payment, no monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI), and historically very competitive interest rates.

Who qualifies as a surviving spouse?

Surviving-spouse eligibility is subject to specific rules. Here are the key criteria you’ll want to check:

• The veteran died while in service, or died as a result of a service-connected disability.
• The veteran had been rated 100% disabled (for VA purposes) and then died, in certain cases.
• A spouse of a service member missing in action (MIA) or a prisoner of war (POW) for at least 90 days may also qualify.
• The surviving spouse has not remarried. However, if you remarried after turning age 57 and that remarriage occurred on or after December 16, 2003, eligibility may still apply.

These definitions can feel complex — and they are. That’s where working with an experienced VA-loan specialist helps tremendously.

What benefits come with this program?

Once eligible, the benefit offers compelling advantages:

• Zero down payment in many cases (subject to lender and property).
• No monthly PMI because it’s a VA-guaranteed loan.
• Competitive interest rates and terms compared to many conventional loans.
• The loan can be used for purchase or refinance: you can buy a home or refinance an existing mortgage under many of the same rules.
• In some states, property-tax benefits or additional state programs for surviving spouses may apply — so checking local rules is wise.

What do you need to get started?

Here’s your roadmap:

• Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This is your first step. The VA issues a COE to verify you are eligible under these specific surviving-spouse rules. For example, you may use VA Form 26-1817 (“Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility — Unmarried Surviving Spouses”) in many cases.
• Work with a lender experienced in VA loans. Finding the right lender matters — they’ll check your credit, income, property, and the VA rules so you move smoothly to closing.
• Choose your path: purchase a home or refinance. Decide whether you’re buying, building, or refinancing a home. The VA benefit works for all of those in many situations. You can even consider a VA IRRRL Streamline Refinance.
• Prepare your documentation: veteran’s service records (DD 214 or separation papers), death certificate, marriage certificate (and any remarriage records), and any VA benefit letters (for example, receipt of Dependency & Indemnity Compensation).
• Check local conditions. Since I serve Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, D.C. and Pennsylvania, I’ll help you understand state-specific property tax programs, housing markets, and any local adjustments you should know about.

Why this matters

When a veteran makes the ultimate sacrifice—or lives with a service-connected disability until death—their surviving spouse often inherits not only memories and responsibilities, but also an important financial benefit that too frequently goes unused. Many families never realize that the VA home-loan program extends to them as well. John Thomas and his team at Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) are committed to changing that. Their mission is to ensure that every surviving spouse understands and receives the full benefit earned through their loved one’s service and sacrifice.

How I can help

For surviving spouses interested in using their VA home-loan benefit, John Thomas and his team at Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) provide compassionate, knowledgeable guidance every step of the way. John takes the time to understand each individual’s situation, review eligibility, and outline the best path to securing a VA-backed home purchase or refinance. His goal is to ensure that every surviving spouse receives the full benefit and peace of mind they deserve.

Eligible surviving spouses who wish to explore the VA home-loan program can contact John Thomas, VA Loan Expert with Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI). Serving Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, John and his team are dedicated to helping every qualified family access the benefits their loved one earned through service and sacrifice.

Phone: 302-703-0727
Website: delawaremortgageloans.net

Licensed in DE, MD, PA, NJ, VA, OH, D.C., KS, MO, IN, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, & TN | NMLS #38783 | Equal Housing Lender

The goal is simple — to ensure that every surviving spouse receives the opportunity their veteran’s service made possible.