VA Loan Entitlement Calculator

Understanding VA Loan Entitlement

Your VA loan entitlement is the amount the VA guarantees to lenders if you default on a loan. This entitlement represents your maximum borrowing power with zero down payment.

Basic entitlement for 2026 is $721,000 for most eligible veterans with unused benefits. This amount was set by Congress and can change annually based on home price trends and other factors.

First-Time VA Loan Users

If you've never used VA benefits before, your full basic entitlement is available. In 2026, this means you can borrow up to $721,000 with zero down payment on a VA loan.

Your actual borrowing power extends beyond this amount when you combine your entitlement with a down payment. You can borrow up to your county's loan limit by making a down payment for any amount above your entitlement.

Veterans with Prior VA Loan Use

If you've used a VA loan previously, your remaining entitlement depends on whether you restored it. Entitlement is restored when you sell the home you purchased with a VA loan and pay off the entire mortgage.

If your prior VA loan is still active, your available entitlement is reduced. You cannot use VA benefits again until you pay off the existing loan in full. Once paid off, you can use your full entitlement again on a new purchase.

How Entitlement Affects Your Borrowing

Your entitlement is your guaranteed borrowing amount at zero down payment. With a down payment, you can borrow more—up to your county's loan limit. For example, if your entitlement is $721,000 and your county limit is $832,750, you could borrow $832,750 by putting down $111,750.

Your entitlement amount does not limit your borrowing when combined with down payment funds. However, your county's loan limit is your absolute ceiling.

Surviving Spouse Entitlement

Surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability may be eligible for VA loan benefits. The surviving spouse entitlement is $721,000 for 2026—the same as veteran entitlement. This allows eligible spouses to purchase a home with favorable VA loan terms.

Surviving spouses receive full VA loan benefits: zero down payment up to their county's loan limit, no mortgage insurance, and no VA funding fee. If purchasing above the county limit, the VA guarantees 25% of the loan, requiring a 25% down payment on the amount exceeding the county limit.

To use surviving spouse benefits, you must have a valid Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. You are eligible if the veteran died on active duty, from a service-connected disability, or was totally disabled, and you have not remarried (or did not remarry before age 57).

Checking Your Actual Entitlement

This calculator provides estimates based on standard entitlement amounts. Your actual entitlement depends on your unique situation and prior use history.

Always request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA for your official entitlement amount. Your COE will show:

• Your basic entitlement
• Any used entitlement from prior loans
• Your remaining available entitlement
• Whether your entitlement is transferable to surviving spouses

You can request your COE online at VA.gov or through your lender during the mortgage application process.

Entitlement vs. Loan Limits

Don't confuse entitlement with county loan limits. Your entitlement is what the VA guarantees; your county limit is what lenders will approve. Both affect your borrowing power, but in different ways.

Example: You have $721,000 entitlement in a county with an $832,750 limit. You can borrow $721,000 with zero down or $832,750 with a $111,750 down payment. You cannot borrow more than $832,750 in that county, regardless of down payment size.

Special Circumstances

Surviving spouses of veterans may have transferable entitlement in some cases. Certain circumstances can affect entitlement calculations. If your situation is unique—such as prior military service with different branches or entitlement changes—verify your exact amount with your COE.

Some veterans with significant prior VA usage may have available entitlement less than expected. This calculator provides a general framework; your actual entitlement requires official verification through your Certificate of Eligibility.