If you haven't checked into Cal-Vet lately, you'll be pleased to know that eligibility has been expanded. All veterans who meet the following criteria are eligible:
- Applicants must have an honorable discharge, or if still on active duty, must provide a Statement of Service verifying their active duty dates and character of service.
- Applicants must have served at least 90 days on active duty, unless they:
- were discharged earlier because of a service-connected disability; or
- received, or are eligible to receive, a campaign or expeditionary medal authorized by the U.S. Government; or
- were called to active duty from the Reserve or National Guard due to a Presidential Executive Order during a time when the United States was engaged in a military conflict. Note: Service solely for training does not qualify.
- Unless the applicant has a qualifying campaign or expeditionary medal, at least one day of active service must have been during one of the following qualifying "war" periods:
Persian Gulf War: 8/2/90 - still open
Vietnam Era: 8/5/64 - 5/7/75
Korean Period: 6/27/50 - 1/31/55
World War II: 12/7/41 - 12/31/46
The un-remarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran may be eligible for a Cal-Vet loan if the veteran:
- died after filing an application for a Cal-Vet Loan, or
- died from injuries incurred in the line of duty, either while on active duty, or
- is being held as a prisoner of war or has been designated by the armed forces as missing in action.