VA Residual Income Calculator
Check whether you meet the VA's residual income test: the money your family has left each month after taxes, the new house payment, upkeep and debts. Uses the official VA chart by region and family size. Free, private, no signup.
How it adds up
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Residual income chart from the VA Lenders Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), chapter 4, last checked October 2026. Estimates only: your lender calculates taxes and debts from your documents.
How the VA residual income test works
Most loan programs look mostly at your debt-to-income ratio. VA loans add a second test: after taxes, the new housing payment, upkeep and your other obligations, your family must have at least a set amount left each month. The calculator subtracts, from your gross income:
- Federal, state and local income taxes, Social Security and Medicare.
- The new mortgage payment (with the funding fee added to the loan), property taxes, insurance and HOA dues.
- Maintenance and utilities, at the VA's $0.14 per square foot of living area per month.
- Monthly debt payments and recurring costs such as child care, child support or alimony.
What is left is compared with the VA chart for your region, family size and loan amount. Read the full explanation in our VA residual income guide.
VA residual income chart (loans of $80,000 and above)
| Family size | Northeast | Midwest | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $450 | $441 | $441 | $491 |
| 2 | $755 | $738 | $738 | $823 |
| 3 | $909 | $889 | $889 | $990 |
| 4 | $1,025 | $1,003 | $1,003 | $1,117 |
| 5 | $1,062 | $1,039 | $1,039 | $1,158 |
For families larger than five, add $80 for each additional member, up to a family of seven. Loans below $80,000 use a slightly lower chart, which the calculator applies automatically. Northeast: CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT. Midwest: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI. South: AL, AR, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV. West: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY.
Example: a family of four in Texas
A family of four buys a $300,000, 1,800 sq ft home in Texas with no down payment, first-time use and a 6.25% rate. The 2.15% funding fee is added to the loan, so the mortgage is $306,450 and principal and interest come to $1,887 a month.
From $7,000 of gross income they subtract $1,250 of taxes, $1,887 of principal and interest, $450 of taxes, insurance and HOA, $252 of maintenance and utilities and $650 of other debts. That leaves $2,511, against a South-region minimum of $1,003: they pass with about 250% of the minimum. Their debt-to-income ratio is 42.7%, a little above the 41% benchmark, but residual income more than 20% above the minimum is exactly the compensating factor the VA looks for. These are the calculator's default numbers, so you can start from them.
Frequently asked questions
What is residual income on a VA loan?
It is the money your household has left each month after income taxes, the new housing payment, an allowance for maintenance and utilities, and your other debts and obligations. The VA requires it to meet a minimum set by region, family size and loan amount.
How much residual income do I need for a VA loan?
For loans of $80,000 or more, a family of four needs $1,025 in the Northeast, $1,003 in the Midwest and South, and $1,117 in the West. A single borrower needs $441 to $491 depending on region.
Does VA disability compensation count toward residual income?
Yes, when it is documented. Because it is not taxed, it adds more to residual income than the same amount of salary would.
What if my debt-to-income ratio is above 41%?
The loan can still be approved. The VA Lenders Handbook points to residual income at least 20% above the chart figure as a key compensating factor when the ratio is above 41%.
How is the maintenance and utilities cost calculated?
VA guidance uses $0.14 per square foot of living area per month. A 1,800 square foot home counts as $252 a month.
Who counts in family size?
Everyone in the household who depends on the income, including the borrower, a spouse and children. A non-borrowing spouse counts as a family member.
More tools and guides
VA Loan Affordability Calculator — how much house can you afford?
VA Loan Payment Calculator — monthly payment and amortization schedule.
VA Closing Cost Calculator — estimate fees, prepaids and your cash to close.
VA Entitlement Calculator — remaining entitlement and the largest $0 down loan.
VA Loan Debt-to-Income Ratio — the 41% rule explained.
VA vs Conventional Loan Calculator — compare payments, the funding fee vs PMI and total cost.
VA Loan DTI Calculator — your debt-to-income ratio against the 41% benchmark.
VA Loan Guides — eligibility, limits, IRRRL, FHA and more.