1. Purpose. The purpose of this Circular is to clarify and explain new policy regarding
student loans for the underwriting of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home
loans.
2. Background. The policy in the Lender’s Handbook- VA Pamphlet 26-7, chapter 4, section 5,
paragraph G will now be titled Student Loans. The clarification will apply to deferred student
loans and the new policy will provide guidance for student loans in repayment or, to begin
repayment within 12 months of a VA loan closing. Student loans under certain repayment plan
types are described at studentaid.ed.gov. This policy applies to all student loan repayment types.
3. How to Calculate a Student Loan Monthly Payment.
a. If the Veteran or other borrower provides written evidence that the student loan debt will be
deferred at least 12 months beyond the date of closing, a monthly payment does not need to be
considered.
b. If a student loan is in repayment or scheduled to begin within 12 months from the date of
VA loan closing, the lender must consider the anticipated monthly obligation in the loan
analysis and utilize the payment established in paragraph (1) or (2) below. Calculate each loan
at a rate of 5 percent of the outstanding balance divided by 12 months (example: $25,000
student loan balance x 5% = $1,250 divided by 12 months = $104.17 per month is the monthly
payment for debt ratio purposes).
(1) The lender must use the payment(s) reported on the credit report for each student loan(s) if
the reported payment is greater than the threshold payment calculation above.
(2) If the payment reported on the credit report is less than the threshold payment calculation
above, the loan file must contain a statement from the student loan servicer that reflects the
actual loan terms and payment information for each student loan(s). The statement(s) must be
dated within 60 days of VA loan closing and maybe an electronic copy from the student loan
servicer’s website or a printed statement provided by the student loan servicer. It is the
lender’s discretion as to whether the credit report should be supplemented with this information
Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)
Senior Loan Officer
Senior Loan Officer
American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3
Louisville, KY 40223
Company ID #1364 | MB73346
Text/call 502-905-3708
kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Disclaimer: No statement on this site is a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet Loan-to-Value requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines and are subject to change without notice based on applicant's eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over the life of a loan. Reduction in payments may reflect a longer loan term. Terms of any loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant Equal Opportunity Lender. NMLS#57916 http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/
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