2026 VA Residual Income Calculator
Residual income is one of the most important factors in VA loan approval.
Unlike conventional loans that rely primarily on debt-to-income ratio, the VA requires that veterans have enough money left over each month after paying taxes, housing costs, and major debts to comfortably cover everyday family expenses like food, transportation, and clothing.
This calculator uses official 2026 VA guidelines by region and household size to help you determine if you meet the residual income requirement for your VA home loan.
If you do not know the payment for the home you are considering, use the VA Estimated Payment Calculator to determine your estimated payment.
Income
Total monthly salary or hourly income before taxes.
Total monthly salary or hourly income before taxes.
Monthly VA disability or other disability income.
Monthly VA disability or other disability income.
Support must be current and child must be under age 15.
Support must be current and child must be under age 15.
Alimony must be current with at least 3 more years remaining.
Alimony must be current with at least 3 more years remaining.
Monthly non-taxable military allowances.
Monthly non-taxable military allowances.
Two year history needed. Monthly average.
Two year history needed. Monthly average.
Any additional qualifying monthly income.
Any additional qualifying monthly income.
Taxes
Estimated monthly federal income tax.
Estimated monthly federal income tax.
Estimated monthly state and local income taxes.
Estimated monthly state and local income taxes.
Estimated monthly Social Security (FICA) tax.
Estimated monthly Social Security (FICA) tax.
Expenses
Your total monthly housing payment.
Your total monthly housing payment.
Car loans, student loans, credit cards, child support, etc.
Car loans, student loans, credit cards, child support, etc.
Monthly childcare or daycare costs.
Monthly childcare or daycare costs.
Home Info
Used to estimate utilities at $0.14/sqft.
Used to estimate utilities at $0.14/sqft.
Determines which residual income table applies.
Determines which residual income table applies.
All members of the household, including dependents.
All members of the household, including dependents.
Applies 5% guideline reduction per VA rules.
Your Residual Income
$2,629
Monthly income remaining after obligations.
VA Guideline Required
$889
South region, 3 people, ≥$80K loan.
Buffer vs. Guideline
+$1,740
Estimated DTI
31.7%
Within VA's 41% guideline.
Est. Utility Deduction
$252
1,800 sqft × $0.14/sqft.
✓ Meets VA Residual Income Guideline
Residual income exceeds the South region guideline.
This calculator is for estimation purposes only and does not constitute a lending decision. Lenders may calculate line items differently. Residual income tables sourced from VA Lender's Handbook, Chapter 4. 2026 guidelines. Non-taxable income (VA disability, BAH/BAS) should not be grossed up for residual income calculations.
Take the 30 second mortgage quiz to see if you qualify
