B3-3.4-18, VA Benefits Income (03/04/2026)

The following table provides verification requirements for income from VA benefits.

Criteria	Requirements
Documentation	The lender must obtain verification of the income amount and terms using one or more of the following: a statement from the organization (VA) providing the income, a copy of the award letter or benefit statement, a copy of the financial or bank account statement, a copy of the signed federal income tax return, or an IRS 1099 form. Additionally, the lender must obtain evidence the borrower will receive at least one payment on or before the first payment due date.
Income History	No minimum history is required.
Income Continuance	The lender must document that income is expected to continue for at least three years from the note date. (Verification is not required for VA retirement or long-term disability benefits.)
Determination of Qualifying Income	The monthly income amount as documented above may be used as qualifying income. Note: Education benefits are not acceptable income because they are offset by education expenses.
DU Validation Service	If the borrower's VA benefit income is validated by the DU validation service, DU will issue a message indicating the required documentation. This documentation may differ from the requirements described above. See B3-2-02, DU Validation Service B3-2-02, DU Validation Service for additional information.