Mortgage Applications Get a VA Loan Nudge: New Bill Mandates Awareness Disclaimer

This bill focuses on a small but potentially significant change to the standard mortgage application process. The VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025 directs the Federal Housing Finance Agency to update the Uniform Residential Loan Application (think the standard form most lenders use) within six months.

A Heads-Up for Vets

The core change? Adding a simple disclaimer right below the question about military service. If an applicant indicates they have served, the form must now state: "If yes, you may qualify for a VA Home Loan. Consult your lender regarding eligibility." It's a straightforward prompt designed to ensure veterans are aware of this potential benefit right when they're starting the home-buying journey. The idea is to prevent eligible individuals from missing out on VA loan advantages simply because it wasn't top of mind or clearly presented during the application.

Keeping Lenders Accountable

Beyond adding the note, the bill includes a check-up mechanism. It tasks the Comptroller General (the government's top auditor) with conducting a study within 18 months. This study will investigate whether lenders are actually including the new disclaimer. Specifically, the Comptroller General will report back to Congress if fewer than 80 percent of lenders using the standard application have adopted the required language. While the bill doesn't specify penalties, a report showing low compliance could prompt further action to ensure veterans are getting this information.