VA Makes Vital Move to Reduce Interest Rates for Native American Veterans

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  • VA Makes Vital Move to Reduce Interest Rates for Native American Veterans

    The Department of soldiers Affairs (VA) stated on May 31, 2021, that the interest rate for Native American soldiers looking to refinance their mortgages would be reduced. The action is part of an attempt to help Native American soldiers, who have historically had to deal with heavier financial burdens than other veterans.

    The loan rate for Native American soldiers has been reduced from 4.25 percent to 3.5 percent by the VA. Both veterans who have been given a Statement of Service (SOS) by their tribal government or a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the VA are eligible for this fee decrease. The VA additionally stated that this rate decrease is available for refinancing debts from any lender, not just the VA.

    The VA's move to reduce the interest rate for Native American soldiers was spurred by a clause of the Tribal Economic Assistance Act of 2021, which was approved by Congress in April. According to the law, the VA must lower the interest rate for Native American veterans to the same amount as the interest rate for all other veterans. The same cheap loan rates that other veterans have long benefited from are now available to Native American veterans.

    Veterans of Native American descent and those who support them have generally lauded the VA's move. President of the National Congress of American Indians Fawn Sharp said, "This is a tremendous victory for Native American veterans who have been denied access to the same home loan refinancing programs available to other veterans." Native American veterans and their families will benefit greatly from this rate decrease, making it simpler for them to maintain their homes and achieve financial stability.

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which is in charge of the VA's Home Loan Guaranty program, has also praised the ruling. The VA's move to lower the interest rate for Native American soldiers is encouraging, according to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. "This is a crucial step in ensuring that all veterans, regardless of race or ethnicity, have access to the same home loan benefits."

    The VA's decision to reduce interest rates for Native American veterans is one more move toward acknowledging their particular financial requirements. The VA has increased access to programs tailored specifically for Native American veterans as well as mental health services, and it is currently reaching out to more of them.

    These initiatives are part of the VA's larger mission to serve all veterans and recognize their unique needs and experiences. As the VA continues to improve its services and expand its outreach to Native American veterans, it is clear that the VA is making great strides in its mission to serve all veterans.

    Source Link:

    https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/03/22/veterans-affairs-department-lowers-interest-rate-native-americans/9561679535192/