SGT. SHAFT: VA home loans available to spouses

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By Sgt. Shaft

Dear Sgt. ShaftMy husband was discharged from the military in 1971 or there about and had always dreamed of owning a home. We made a few attempts, but nothing ever came of owning a home of our own. He passed away suddenly on Sept. 2.

I would like to know if, now that he has passed, do I qualify to receive a Veterans Affairs loan as a veterans widow? I have a good job, but don't have my husband. I would love to make his dream come true.

Please let me know what you know about this subject.

Thank you,

Peggy M

Dear Peggy

The unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability is eligible for the home loan benefit. If you wish to apply for the home loan benefit as a surviving spouse, contact the VA Winston-Salem Eligibility Center. In addition, a surviving spouse who obtained a VA home loan with the veteran prior to his or her death (regardless of the cause of death), may obtain a VA guaranteed interest rate reduction refinance loan. For more information, contact the VA Winston- Salem Eligibility Center.

Also, a surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after Dec. 16, 2003, may be eligible for the home loan benefit. However, a surviving spouse who remarried before Dec. 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must have applied no later than Dec. 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility. VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before Dec. 16, 2003, that were received after Dec. 15, 2004.

For more information, check the Web site: http://www.homeloans.va.gov/.

Dear Sgt. Shaft: