The federal government started the VA home loan program in the year 1944. Home improvement loans are also a part of this program. These loans are available to only those individuals (and their families) who served in the armed forces. There are several qualifying criteria as well. The best thing about these loans is that they charge very comparatively very little interest and even the terms are very easy.  

Who Are Eligible?
Following people are eligible for these types of loans.    
Reserves and National Guard members who served at least six years and were honorably discharged.
Honorably discharged peacetime Veterans who were in service for at least one hundred and eighty one days.
Honorably discharged wartime veterans who served the nation for at least ninety days.
There can be certain exceptions as well. In order to find out the detailed information about the eligibility criteria for VA home loan program, you are recommended to visit the regional VA office in your area. For example, if you are spouse of a veteran who lost his/her life in active duty and if you have not married again, you may also qualify for these loans.

Prove Your Military Service   
In order to avail these programs, you will be asked to show documents in proof of your military service.

Proof Of Residence   
The federal laws require you to reside in the same state where you want to avail these loans. So, you will also be required to submit the proof of residence.

Certificate Of Eligibility
When it comes to obtaining a home improvement loan using the VA home loan program, the next thing that you have to do is to request the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs to issue a Certificate of Eligibility in your name. You can place your request by submitting the Form 26-1880. You can get this form by visiting the department's office or you can also download the same from their official website. If you don't have this certificate, no lenders will consider your application for such loans. So, while you are submitting your loan applications to the short-listed lenders, do not forget to enclose this document along with the same.

Finding The Right Lender    
You are strongly recommended to choose a lending institution that specializes in VA home loan program. If you find any difficulty in finding such a lender, you may also like to avail the expert services of an experienced credit counselor. If even that does not help, you can always give a call to the regional office of veteran affairs in your area. They will provide you a list of approved lenders.

However, there are a couple of things that you must keep in mind while applying for VA home loan program. For example, you should always try to take loans below 90% of the value of the home. Besides that, you cannot borrow the loan from the Department of Veteran Affairs. The department does not process the loans - they only guarantee and approve the same.