Vets in good standing can obtain VA home loans

Answer: Besides the various periods of eligibility from World War II to Vietnam, post-Vietnam and the Gulf War, and conditions of service requirements, in particular if someone was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, applicants must have a good credit rating, sufficient income and a valid certificate of eligibility, and agree to live on the property. To obtain a certificate, complete VA form 26-1880 "Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan," and mail to: VA Eligibility Center, P.O. Box 20729, Winston-Salem, NC 27120. Applicants may also have their lenders obtain a certificate of eligibility for them through VA's Automated Certificate of Eligibility system. For more information, visit www.homeloans.va.gov/eligibility.htm. You can also contact the VA at (800) 827-1000 and follow the directions by pressing the number for touch tone or rotary phone, then number 3, followed by number 2 for home loan information. You also can also speak to one of our home loan specialists at Tripler Army Medical Center in E Wing, 1st floor Oceanside/Diamond Head entrance.

Q: How does the Montgomery GI Bill work and how long do I have to use it?

A: It is an educational benefit awarded to service members with an honorable discharge. There are four categories: service members who entered after June 30, 1985, did not decline the GI bill in writing, completed three continuous years on active duty and had their military pay reduced for 12 months. The next category is for veterans who had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill on Dec. 31, 1989, and served on active duty from Oct. 19, 1984, to June 30, 1985. Category three is for any veteran who was separated involuntarily or for special circumstances and declined the GI bill before separation. Category four is the Veterans' Educational Assistance program. Category one and four can be used up to 10 years after discharge from active duty. For more information, call (888) 442-4551 or visit www.gibill.va.gov.