The VA Partial Claim Program Is a ‘Positive Step Forward’ To Stop Foreclosures—but Is It Enough?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched its Partial Claim Program on June 15, 2026, as a new foreclosure-prevention tool for military Veterans struggling with their VA-backed mortgages. This initiative, reauthorized by Congress in July 2025, aims to help thousands of Veterans remain in their homes by addressing rising repossessions. Mortgage servicers are required to fully implement the program into their systems by November 28, 2026. VA Secretary Doug Collins expressed gratitude to Congress and President Trump for creating the program, stating it will provide deserved relief to service members. The program involves a collaborative process where mortgage servicers identify eligible Veterans in default and place them on a three-month trial payment plan. Upon successful completion of this trial, the servicer pays the overdue balance to bring the mortgage current, and the VA then reimburses the servicer for this amount. Chris Birk, vice president of mortgage insight at Veterans United Home Loans, described the program as a positive step forward that offers Veterans a key tool comparable to other mortgage options, reinforcing the strength of VA loans. The VA will be repaid by the mortgage servicer when the loan is eventually paid off.