News
Bill would raise the VA streamline refinance fee to about 1.4%
Short answer
H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, would raise the VA IRRRL funding fee from 0.5% to about 1.4% and the loan assumption fee from 0.5% to 1%. On a $325,000 refinance that is $4,615 instead of $1,625. Purchase-loan fees would not change, and veterans exempt from the fee would stay exempt. The House passed it 235-179 in May 2026, but it has stalled in the Senate and is not law as of October 18, 2026.
What would change
| Loan | Today | Under H.R. 6047 |
|---|---|---|
| IRRRL (streamline refinance) | 0.5% | about 1.4% |
| Loan assumption | 0.5% | 1% |
| Purchase loans | No change | No change |
Why
The added fee revenue would pay for a supplemental allowance of about $833 a month for veterans with catastrophic injuries and illnesses.
Where it stands
The House passed the bill 235-179 in May 2026, and Stars and Stripes reported in June that it was placed on the Senate calendar. It has stalled there since: Newsweek reported in August that senators disagree over how to pay for it, including the home loan fee changes. Until it passes and takes effect, the IRRRL fee stays at 0.5%.
What it means for you
If you were already planning an IRRRL and the numbers work, closing under the current 0.5% fee saves money. Do not refinance only to beat a bill that may change. Check the break-even on your own loan.
Common questions
Is the VA IRRRL funding fee going up?
Not yet. H.R. 6047 would raise it from 0.5% to about 1.4%, but it passed the House in May 2026, has stalled in the Senate, and is not law as of October 18, 2026.
Sources
- VA home loan refinancing fee bill, Stars and Stripes (June 15, 2026)
- VA refinance and assumption costs could rise under pending bill, The Close
- VA loan news archive, HousingWire
- VA funding fee and loan closing costs, VA.gov (updated Sept. 22, 2026)
- VA benefits update: extra $833 for thousands of veterans stalled in Senate, Newsweek (Aug. 11, 2026)
What will your VA funding fee be?
Enter a price and down payment to see the 2026 fee, or check whether you are exempt.
An independent guide. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and not a lender. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.