Native American and Alaska Native veterans: home loans on trust land and more

Why now

VA.gov now says the interest rate for a Native American Direct Loan starts at 2.47% (page updated Oct 30, 2026). And VA's Oct 27, 2026 cemetery grants include money to establish the Burgess-Oocumma Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Cherokee, N.C. VA has funded Veterans cemeteries for 14 tribal nations since 1980.

What a NADL is

VA lends directly to help you buy, build or improve a home on federal trust land, or refinance an existing NADL to a lower rate. Per VA.gov:

• No down payment in most cases, no PMI, limited closing costs.
• 30-year fixed rate. Ask a NADL coordinator for your exact rate.
• Reusable: you can get more than one NADL.

Who can get one

A Native American Veteran, or a non-Native Veteran married to a Native American (including Native residents of Hawaiian Homelands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands). All of these must be true:

• Your tribal government has an agreement (MOU) with VA for its trust land.
• You have a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• You meet credit standards and have enough income.
• You'll live in the home.

NADL coordinator: NADL@va.gov or 888-349-7541 (TTY 711), Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.

Funding fee, and how a rating removes it

The VA funding fee for a NADL is 1.25% to buy and 0.5% to refinance. You don't pay it if you get VA disability compensation (or are eligible but get retirement pay instead), or you're a surviving spouse getting DIC. If a later rating is effective back before closing, you may get a refund. See your rating and your VA home loan and using your VA home loan again.

Free claim help from your community

Since 2017, tribal organizations can be VA-recognized to help Veterans with claims, for free. Some VA health systems also train Tribal Veterans Representatives to help Veterans and families connect with VA. Ask your tribe's Veterans office or your nearest VA medical center. Contact the VA Office of Tribal Government Relations: va.gov/tribalgovernment.

VA and IHS or tribal health care

If you're an eligible American Indian or Alaska Native Veteran enrolled in VA health care, VA can pay for your care at Indian Health Service, Tribal Health Program and Urban Indian Organization facilities that have a VA reimbursement agreement. You don't need VA pre-approval and you don't pay a VA copay. Questions: tribal.agreements@va.gov.

Tribal Veterans cemeteries

VA grants help tribal nations build and run Veterans cemeteries. For burial in a tribal Veterans cemetery, contact that cemetery directly. See VA burial and memorial benefits.

Get free help

Never pay anyone to file a VA claim or form. Free help: a VSO or VA-accredited representative.

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