<P> More recently, the Veterans Housing Benefits Improvement Act of 1978 expanded and increased the benefits for millions of American veterans . </P> <P> Until 1992, the VA loan guarantee program was available only to veterans who served on active duty during specified periods . However, with the enactment of the Veterans Home Loan Program Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102 - 547, approved 28 October 1992), program eligibility was expanded to include Reservists and National Guard personnel who served honorably for at least six years without otherwise qualifying under the previous active duty provisions . Such personnel are required to pay a slightly higher funding fee when obtaining a VA home loan . </P> <P> Despite a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding, the federal government generally does not make direct loans under the act . The government simply guarantees loans made by ordinary mortgage lenders (descriptions of which appear in subsequent sections) after veterans make their own arrangements for the loans through normal financial circles . The Veterans Administration then appraises the property in question and, if satisfied with the risk involved, guarantees the lender against loss of principal if the buyer defaults . </P> <P> In association with the VA's program, the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act protects service members from financial woes on their home loan that may occur as a result of active duty commitments, freezing their interest rates at 6% . </P>

Who provides the direct funds for a loan guaranteed by the federal veterans affairs