VA Residual Income Requirements
Understanding residual income requirements up front saves surprises in underwriting. The 2026 specifics are below.
The rule for 2026
Residual income — the money left after the mortgage, debts, taxes, and a home-maintenance estimate — is VA's signature underwriting test. You must meet a table amount that varies by region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) and household size.
The VA sets the baseline, but approved lenders can add stricter "overlays." Meet the VA standard first, then confirm whether your lender layers anything on top.
Documentation you'll need
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Pay stubs or LES (active duty) and two years of W-2s/returns
- Two months of bank statements
- Explanation letters for any credit events
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Frequently Asked Questions
- VA Residual Income Requirements — what's the bottom line for 2026?
- Residual income — the money left after the mortgage, debts, taxes, and a home-maintenance estimate — is VA's signature underwriting test. You must meet a table amount that varies by region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) and household size.
- Does this affect my $0 down or PMI?
- No — the VA benefit's zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance apply throughout.