First, let’s define what a “Statement of Service” is. A military statement of service is an official document that verifies a person’s military service. It contains information like their name, SSN, branch of service, dates of service, rank, pay, etc. Furthermore, a statement of service may be required by various organizations as proof of military service for VA loans, employment opportunities, or certain benefits.

PCSing to Hawaii? How Military Income is Confirmed to Qualify for a VA Loan

In most cases, Hawaii pay for active duty who will PCS to Hawaii can be confirmed without a statement of service. Instead, we use your official PCS orders and the printouts from DOD websites verifying Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).

However, there are times when we need every bit of income to qualify a VA buyer. Thus, the only way to get it is via a statement of service. For example, if we use special duty pay to qualify, we need the statement of service to prove that it’s part of the VA buyer’s career pay (NOT temporary pay).

How to Obtain a Statement of Service

In addition to Hawaii BAH, BAS, and COLA, all military-related sources of income being used to qualify for a VA Loan should be listed in the statement of service. This includes, but is not limited to, parachute pay, special duty pay, and flight pay.

Option 1: Letter from S1, PSD, or FSS

  • S1 (Local Admin Office) is the term used by the Marines & Army
  • PSD is the term used by the Navy (Personnel Support Detachment)
  • FSS is the term used by the Air Force (Force Support Squadron)

The borrower will need to ask their XO or S1 (Local Admin Office) to put the letter on official letterhead and sign for them OR the statement of service may be computer generated.

Option 1 Sample Letter:

Sgt. Kimo will be PCSing to Hawaii on or around 15 December 2011. Once he is assigned to his unit, his BAH, BAS, and COLA, will be that of Hawaii. The rates for Hawaii are: BAH$ BAS$ COLA$.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Sincerely,

Sgt. Tiki Barber S1 Admin Information

Option 2: Commanding Officer to Include ALL Pay on Statement of Service

The servicemember’s current Commanding Officer can verify pay in the “Breakdown of Pay” section of the Statement of Service. 

Option 2 Sample Cover Letter & Statement of Service Letter

Essentially, the requirement of a Statement of Service letter to verify income to qualify for a VA loan is done on a case by case basis. Therefore, make sure to confirm every document needed for qualifying and closing with your loan officer. Finally, if you have any questions regarding the statement or service or would like to get pre-qualified for a VA home loan, contact us at 808-792-4251 or fill out the online loan application.