Veterans Housing Resources
Find secure and affordable housing. Select your status below for tailored information, or explore general resources further down.
Immediate Assistance for Veterans in Need
Veteran Support Resources
Access comprehensive support programs designed specifically for veterans. Find nationwide resources and local programs in your area.
What resources are you looking for?
Housing Resources
VA home loans, housing assistance programs, and support services.
Food & Nutrition
Food assistance programs, nutrition benefits, and meal services.
Select Your Status
Future Service Members
Plan future housing: learn about BAH & saving for a home.
Transitioning Out
Explore housing options after service & using your VA loan benefit.
Veterans
Utilize VA home loans, adapted housing grants & support programs.
Military Families
Understand family housing, spouse loan eligibility & BAH usage.
Veteran Housing Programs & Benefits
Access VA programs designed to help veterans achieve stable and affordable housing.
VA Home Loan Eligibility & Application
Detailed steps on obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and applying for VA-backed purchase or refinance loans.
Adapted Housing Grants for Disabilities
Information on SAH, SHA, and TRA grants for veterans with service-connected disabilities to modify or build adapted homes.
Homelessness Prevention & Support
Resources like the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, HUD-VASH, and SSVF programs for veterans facing housing instability.
General Housing Information & Resources
Veterans Housing Resources
Understanding Veterans Housing Benefits
Housing benefits are among the most valuable advantages of military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs designed to help veterans achieve homeownership, secure affordable rental housing, or get support if facing housing instability.
Whether you're looking to buy your first home, refinance an existing loan, or need assistance with rent or preventing homelessness, there are specific VA programs and resources available to help you meet your housing goals.
Key Housing Benefits
- VA Home Loans - No down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance
- Adapted Housing Grants - Financial assistance for veterans with service-connected disabilities to modify homes
- HUD-VASH Program - Housing vouchers combined with case management and clinical services
- Homelessness Prevention - Programs to help at-risk veterans maintain or find housing
Understanding the VA Home Loan Guarantee
The VA doesn't directly lend money for VA loans. Instead, private lenders (banks, mortgage companies) provide the loans, and the VA guarantees a portion of the loan. This guarantee protects the lender if you default, which is what allows them to offer better terms, including:
- No down payment in most cases
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Lower closing costs
- Competitive interest rates
Official Housing Resources
VA Home Loans
Learn about VA-backed home loans and how to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- No down payment options
- Limited closing costs
- No private mortgage insurance
- Competitive interest rates
Homeless Veterans Support
Resources and programs to help homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness.
- Housing assistance
- Health care
- Employment services
- 24/7 hotline assistance
HUD-VASH Program
The HUD-VA Supportive Housing program helps homeless veterans and their families find and sustain permanent housing.
- Section 8 Housing Vouchers
- Case management
- Clinical services
- Ongoing support
Understanding VA Home Loans
VA home loans are one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans. These loans are provided by private lenders but guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing qualified veterans to purchase homes with favorable terms that aren't available with conventional loans.
There are several types of VA loans available, depending on your needs and circumstances. Whether you're purchasing your first home, refinancing an existing loan, or need to access your home's equity, there's likely a VA loan program that can help.
Purchase Loans
VA-backed purchase loans help you buy a home with competitive interest rates and typically no down payment.
- No down payment (in most cases)
- No private mortgage insurance
- Lower closing costs
- No prepayment penalty
Cash-Out Refinance
Take cash out of your home equity to pay off debt, fund school, or make home improvements.
- Refinance a non-VA loan into a VA loan
- Access home equity for expenses
- Potentially lower interest rate
- Up to 100% of your home's value
IRRRL (Streamline)
The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) lets you refinance your current VA loan to a lower interest rate.
- Lower monthly payments
- Reduced interest rate
- Minimal paperwork
- No appraisal typically required
Housing Assistance Programs
Beyond VA home loans, there are several specialized programs designed to address specific housing needs. These programs provide support for veterans facing homelessness, those with service-connected disabilities requiring home modifications, and families needing rental assistance.
Many of these programs involve coordination between the VA and other federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide comprehensive support services beyond just housing.
SSVF Program
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) provides support to low-income veterans and their families.
- Homelessness prevention
- Rapid rehousing assistance
- Case management services
- Temporary financial assistance
Adapted Housing Grants
Financial assistance for veterans with service-connected disabilities to modify or construct an adapted home.
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
- Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
- Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
- Home improvements and structural alterations
Native American Direct Loan
Direct home loans for eligible Native American Veterans to buy, build, or improve homes on Federal Trust Land.
- Direct loans from VA (not private lenders)
- Low interest rates
- No down payment requirement
- Limited closing costs
Veteran Homelessness Prevention and Support
Veterans make up a significant portion of the homeless population in the United States. To address this issue, the VA and other organizations offer specialized programs focused on preventing homelessness and providing support for veterans experiencing housing instability.
If you or a veteran you know is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, immediate help is available. These programs provide not just housing, but comprehensive support services to address underlying issues and help veterans achieve long-term stability.
National Call Center
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans provides 24/7 access to trained counselors who can connect veterans with services.
Call for Immediate Help
1-877-4AID-VET
(1-877-424-3838)
Confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Stand Downs
Community-based events providing services to homeless Veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, and VA benefits counseling.
- Housing assistance resources
- Health care services
- Employment support
- Social services access
Transitional Housing
Temporary housing programs that help veterans transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
- Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program
- Safe housing for up to 24 months
- Case management services
- Connection to VA benefits and services
Tips for Veterans Seeking Housing
Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) early
Apply for your COE before house hunting to understand your eligibility and entitlement amount. This will streamline the loan process once you find a home.
Work with VA-experienced professionals
Choose lenders and real estate agents who regularly work with VA loans and understand the specific requirements, appraisal process, and closing procedures. Checkout out marketplace providers!
Prepare for funding fees
While VA loans don't require down payments, they do have a funding fee (waived for some disabled veterans). This fee can be included in the loan amount rather than paid upfront.
Know the VA loan limits
While VA loans have no maximum loan amount, there are limits to the VA's guarantee. For loans above these limits, you may need to make a down payment on the portion exceeding the limit.
Understand property requirements
VA loans have specific minimum property requirements (MPRs) that ensure homes are safe, sound, and sanitary. Be aware of these when house hunting to avoid appraisal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about VA home loans and housing benefits for veterans.