INSTRUCTIONS FOR VA FORM 26-1880READ CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING FORM. USE TYPEWRITER OR PRINT CLEARLY. COMPLETE ALL APPLICABLE ITEMS. A. Use this form to request VA to determine your eligibility for Loan Guaranty benefits, and the amount of entitlement available. B. Military Service Retirements for VA Loan Eligibility 1. Wartime Service. If you served anytime during World War II (September 16, 1940 to July 25, l947), Korean Conflict (June 27,1950 to January 31, 1955), or Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975) you must have served at least 90 days on active duty and have been discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions. If you served less than 90 days, you may be eligible if discharged because of service-connected disability. 2. Peacetime Service. If your service fell entirely within one of the following periods: July 26, l947 to June 26,1950, or February 1, 1955 to August 4, l964, you must have served at least 181 days of continuous active duty and have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. If you entered service after May 7, l975 but prior to September 8, l980 (enlisted) or October 17, l981 (officer) and completed your service before August 2, l990, 181 days service is also required. If you served less than 181 days, you may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability. 3. Service after September 7, 1980 (enlisted) or October 16, 1981 (officer) and prior to August 2, l990. If you were separated from service which began after these dates, you must have: (a) Completed 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period (at least 181 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, and been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; or (b) Completed at least 181 days of active duty and been discharged under the specific authority of 10 U.S.C. 1173 (hardship discharge) or 10 U.S.C. 1171 (early out discharge) or have been determined to have a compensable service-connected disability; or (c) Been discharged with less than 181 days of service for a service-connected disability. Individuals may also be eligible if they were released from active duty due to an involuntary reduction in force, certain medical conditions, or, in some instances, for the convenience of the Government. 4. Persian Gulf War. If you served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War (August 2, 1990 to a date yet to be determined), you must have: (a) Completed 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty and been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; or (b) Completed at least 90 days of active duty and been discharged under the specific authority of 10 U.S.C. 1173 (hardship discharge), or 10 U.S.C. 1171 (early out discharge), or have been determined to have a compensable service-connected disability; or (c) Been discharged with less than 90 days of service for a service-connected disability. Individuals may also be eligible if they were released from active duty due to an involuntary reduction in force, certain medical conditions, or, in some instances, for the convenience of the Government. 5. Active Duty Service Personnel. If you are now on active duty, you are eligible after having served on continuous active duty for at least 181 days (90 days during the Persian Gulf War) unless discharged or separated from previous qualifying period of active duty service. 6. Selected Reserve requirements for VA Loan Eligibility. If you are not otherwise eligible and you have completed a total of 6 years in the Selected Reserves or National Guard (member of an active unit, attended required weekend drills and 2-week active duty training) and (a) Were discharged with an honorable discharge; or (b) Were placed on the retired list or (c) Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable service; or (d) Continue to serve in the Selected Reserve. Individuals who completed less than 6 years may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability. Eligibility for Selected Reservists expires October 28,1999. C. Unmarried surviving spouses of eligible veterans seeking determination of basic eligibility for VA Loan Guaranty benefits are NOT required to complete this form, but are required to complete VA Form 261817 for that purpose. D. This request should be sent to the VA office serving the area in which you reside. E. Proof of Military Service 1. "Regular" Veterans. Attach to this request your most recent discharge or separation papers from active military duty since September 16, 1940, which show active duty dates and type of discharge. If you were separated after January 1, 1950, DD Form 214 must be submitted. If you were separated after October 1, 1979, and you received DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, 1 July edition, VA must be furnished Copy 4 of the form. You may submit either original papers or legible copies. In addition, if you are now on active duty submit a statement of service signed by or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer or commander of your unit or higher headquarters showing date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost. Any Veterans Benefits Counselor in the nearest Department of Veteran Affairs office or center will assist you in securing necessary proof of military service. 2. Selected Reserves/National Guard. If you are a discharged member of the Army or Air Force National Guard you may submit a NCB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record Service. If you are a discharged member of the Selected Reserve, you may submit a copy of your latest annual point statement and evidence of honorable service. You may submit either your original papers or legible copies. Since there is no single form used by the Reserves or National Guard similar to the DD214, it is your responsibility to furnish adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service. In addition, if you are currently serving in the Selected Reserve you must submit a statement of service signed by, or by the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer or commander of your unit or higher headquarters showing the length of time that you have been a member of the unit. Internet Version of Form 26-1880At this time, we still need to have a paper copy of the Form 26-1880 mailed to us with a copy of the proof of military service as described above. However, an Internet version of the form which you can fill out and print is now available. In order to use the Internet Version of this form, you must have access to a printer and you must first download a copy of the FREE OmniForm Filler plug-in for your Web Browser. Once installed, return here to access the form by following the link below. You may want to print a copy of these instructions first. When you have filled out the form, print it out and mail it to: VA Loan Eligibility Center Go to Internet Form 26-1880.If you have any trouble using this version of the form, or do not want to download the OmniForm Filler plug-in, you can download a copy in GIF format, which is a little difficult to read, or in PDF format, from http://www.va.gov/forms/benefits.htm or you can call 800-827-1000 to have a copy mailed to you.
After first checking theFAQs, please send questions about the VA Loan program to . Please send your comments on this page to . Last updated 08/25/98. LJK |
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