source:
  type: guide
  id: va-m26-7-ch02-t03
  authority: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 2, Topic 3 — How to Apply
    For A Certificate of Eligibility
  description: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 2, Topic 3 — How to
    Apply For A Certificate of Eligibility.
  coverage_tier: operative
obligations:
- id: va-m26-7-ch02-t03-full
  canonical_id: va-m26-7-ch02-t03-full
  section: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 2, Topic 3 — How to Apply
    For A Certificate of Eligibility
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - va
  - va-handbook
  - corpus-expansion
  - tier-operative
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 2, Topic 3 — How to
      Apply For A Certificate of Eligibility
    source_class: va-handbook
    source_url: https://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/pam26_7.asp
    snapshot_id: 488cf6b152dfffb7
    fetched_at: '2026-05-23T01:53:52Z'
    content_hash: sha256:b9f2259ef4bf182c8700374d01f483bbad8bde952afea193cdbca84386d635e6
    paragraph_quote: '3. How to Apply For A Certificate of Eligibility Change Date
      March 28, 2019 This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Procedures
      Lenders must first attempt to obtain a COE through the ACE application, which
      can be accessed through the VIP. If a COE cannot be obtained immediately, lenders
      should select the electronic application link that permits them to submit an
      electronic application. If the COE is issued with reduced entitlement and restoration
      is needed, use the “Correct COE” function to request an updated COE. The WebLGY
      system allows lenders to upload documentation, such as discharge papers or evidence
      to support restoration (Closing Disclosure, HUD-1 etc.), along with the electronic
      application. Lenders should not upload scanned documents without first completing
      an electronic application. Using this feature, rather than mail, is the preferred
      method, as it greatly reduces processing time. • Inability to obtain a COE in
      WebLGY does not mean the Veteran is ineligible, only that the system does not
      have sufficient information to make an automatic determination. Lenders should
      always continue the application process as described in the preceding paragraph.
      • Application for an Unmarried Surviving Spouses. A surviving spouse of a Veteran,
      who dies on active duty or from service-connected causes, may still be eligible
      for a COE. If the surviving spouse is remarried on or after age 57, and on or
      after December 16, 2003, they still may be eligible. Eligibility may also be
      granted to the spouse of an active duty member who is listed as MIA or POW for
      at least 90 days. Eligibility under this MIA/POW provision is limited to one-time
      use only. Continued on next page VA Pamphlet 26-7, Revised Chapter 2: Veteran’s
      Eligibility and Entitlement 2-11 3. How to Apply For A Certificate of Eligibility,
      continued a. Procedures, continued a) Surviving spouses of Veterans who died
      from non-service connected causes may also be eligible if any of the following
      conditions are met: (1) the Veteran was rated totally disabled for 10 years
      or more immediately preceding death; or (2) was rated totally disabled for not
      less than 5 years from date of discharge or release from active duty to date
      of death, or (3) the Veteran was a former POW who died after September 30, 1999,
      and was rated totally disabled for not less than 1 year immediately preceding
      death. The above eligibility requirements are determined by VA Compensation
      Department. Once completed, they will determine if the surviving spouse is eligible
      for qualifying Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC). b) If applying for the
      first time, surviving spouses must complete VA Form 26-1817, Request for Determination
      of Loan Guaranty Eligibility-Unmarried Surviving Spouses, instead of VA Form
      26- 1880. c) Both the VA Form 26-1817 and WebLGY should be completed by using
      the name of the surviving spouse, date of birth, social security number, and
      then upload the VA Form 26-1817 in WebLGY. VA Pamphlet 26-7, Revised Chapter
      2: Veteran’s Eligibility and Entitlement 2-12'
  judgment: false
