VA Form 26-8937, Verification of VA Benefits
VA Form 26-8937 verifies a borrower's VA benefit status during a home loan, most importantly whether the veteran is exempt from the VA funding fee because of a service-connected disability.
This is the genuine VA PDF, unmodified. Source: VA official page.
What is VA Form 26-8937?
Most VA loan borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, but veterans receiving VA disability compensation, those entitled to receive it, and certain surviving spouses are exempt. This one-page form is how the lender confirms that status with VA before closing. It also flags whether the borrower has a VA benefit-related debt that could affect the loan.
The borrower completes and signs the top portion, authorizing VA to release the information; VA completes the certification section and returns it to the lender. In many cases modern VA systems report exemption status automatically on the Certificate of Eligibility, so the form is used when the status is unclear or pending, such as a disability claim awaiting decision.
Who files VA Form 26-8937?
- Veterans applying for a VA loan who receive or are entitled to receive disability compensation
- Borrowers with a pending disability claim whose funding fee exemption is not yet settled
- Lenders needing VA confirmation of benefit status or benefit-related indebtedness before closing
- Surviving spouse borrowers who may be exempt from the funding fee
How to fill out VA Form 26-8937
- Fill in your name, address, Social Security or VA file number, and date of birth in the borrower section.
- Answer the benefit questions and sign the authorization so VA can release your status to the lender.
- Give the form to your lender; the lender sends it to VA rather than you submitting it yourself.
- VA completes the certification of your benefit and indebtedness status and returns it to the lender.
- Review the result with your lender; if you are exempt, no funding fee should be charged, and a fee already paid on a later-granted exemption may be refundable.
Quick fill VA Form 26-8937 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open VA Form 26-8937 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
Who is exempt from the VA funding fee?
Generally veterans receiving VA disability compensation, veterans entitled to compensation but receiving retirement or active-duty pay instead, certain surviving spouses, and recipients of the Purple Heart on active duty. Check the current exemption list at va.gov.
What if my disability claim is still pending at closing?
The exemption depends on your status as of closing. If the claim is later granted with an effective date before closing, you may be able to get the funding fee refunded. Ask your lender and the VA Regional Loan Center about a refund in that situation.