
Who is Eligible for SCRA Benefits?
- Active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
- A member of the National Guard called to active service for 30 days or longer
- Commissioned Corps officers on active service with the Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Who is eligible under SCRA?
- Why the service member’s current military duty prevents them from appearing;
- A date when they will be able to appear; and
- A letter from the service member’s commander stating that duties prevent them from appearing and they are not authorized to leave during the time of the scheduled court appearance.
Who is eligible for SCRA benefits?
Who is Eligible for SCRA Benefits?
- Active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
- A member of the National Guard called to active service for 30 days or longer
- Commissioned Corps officers on active service with the Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
What is the difference between MLA and SCRA?
- Payday loans
- Motor vehicle title loans
- Tax refund anticipation loans
- Credit cards
- Deposit advance products
- Overdraft lines of credit (but not traditional overdraft services)
- Certain installment loans (but not those that finance a vehicle or personal property purchase when the credit is secured by the vehicle or personal property being purchased)
How long do I have to apply for SCRA benefits?
- Full name
- Date of the request
- Chase account number
- Date for lease termination

Who is covered under SCRA?
The SCRA applies to the following servicemembers: Active duty members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard; Members of the Reserve component when serving on active duty; Members of the National Guard component mobilized under federal orders for more than 30 consecutive days; or.
Who is not protected by SCRA?
The SCRA does not apply to criminal cases, only civil cases. Civil cases are those in which one individual or business sues another to protect, enforce, or address private or civil rights.
How do service members qualify for SCRA interest rate relief?
SCRA Eligibility SCRA relief and protections can also apply to the spouses and children of the qualified service member, as well as to any individual who relied on the service member for at least 50% of their support for 180 days before using the act.
Are civilians covered under SCRA?
However, the SCRA does not protect you or your dependents if you are a civilian or a contractor.
Who must receive the SCRA notice?
The notice is required to: (1) Be sent to all homeowners who are in default on a residential mortgage; (2) include the toll-free Military OneSource number (800-342-9647) to call if servicemembers or their dependents require further assistance; and (3) be made within 45 days from the date a missed payment was due, ...
Do spouses qualify for SCRA?
Who is covered by the SCRA? Generally, SCRA protections cover both regular active-duty military members and Guard and Reserve members who've been activated under federal orders, and their spouses.
What documents are needed for SCRA?
A properly completed Department of Defense Short Form (available from your local JAG or Housing Office) A letter on official letterhead from your commanding officer that includes contact information for confirmation and includes your full name and social security number or date of birth.
Which individual is not protected by SCRA and MLA?
The SCRA protects service members and their dependents (indirectly) on existing debts when the service member becomes active duty. By contrast, the MLA protects service members, their spouses and/or covered dependents at point of origination if they are on active duty at that time.
Is SCRA a veteran?
Veteran borrowers called up to active duty may be able to request relief pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). SCRA is intended to ease the economic and legal burdens on military personnel during their active service.
What loans does SCRA apply to?
SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT (SCRA) The SCRA covers existing debts when a servicemember is on active duty. In other words, it only applies to debt incurred before active duty begins. Joint loans qualify if the active duty servicemember is one of the owners and the loan was incurred before entering active duty.
What is the max interest rate for military?
6 percentYes, if you are in military service, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) limits the amount of interest you can be charged for certain loans or other obligations you took out prior to entry into active duty military service to 6 percent.
How long do SCRA benefits last?
How long do SCRA benefits last? Your SCRA benefits end when your active duty period ends, except on a home loan, which you'll receive benefits on for an additional 12 months. However, we also generally extend your benefits on credit card or installment loans for an additional 6 months after your active duty ends.
Who gets SCRA protection?
But which ones? According to federal laws, active military members (including reservists, National Guardsmen, commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who are in active federal service) get SCRA protections.
Who is the director of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act?
Attorney Roy Kaufmann serves as the Director of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service, located in Washington, D.C. As a recognized authority on the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Mr. Kaufmann has published hundreds of articles and hosted many webinars.
Does the SCRA cover active duty?
The SCRA protects those on active duty or attending a service school. However, those attending training prior to entering active duty, such as officer candidates, may not be covered.
What are the benefits of the SCRA?
The SCRA’s benefits and protections include a six percent interest rate cap on financial obligations that were incurred prior to military service , 50 U.S.C. § 3937; the ability to stay civil court proceedings, id. at §§ 3931, 3932; protections in connection with default judgments, id.; protections in connection with residential (apartment) lease terminations, id. at § 3955; and protections in connection with evictions, mortgage foreclosures, and installment contracts such as car loans. Id. at §§ 3931, 51, 53, 55-56.
What is the SCRA for dependents?
The SCRA also provides certain benefits and protections to servicemember dependents, see, e.g. , 50 U.S.C. § 3955, and, in certain instances, to those who co-signed a loan for, or took out a loan with, a servicemember. See id. at § 3913.
What is the SCRA for military?
The SCRA provides a wide range of benefits and protections to those in military service. See 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901-4043. Military service is defined under the SCRA as including: 1) full-time active duty members of the five military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard); 2) Reservists on federal active duty; and 3) members of the National Guard on federal orders for a period of more than 30 days. Id. at § 3911 (2). Servicemembers absent from duty for a lawful cause or because of sickness, wounds or leave are covered by the SCRA. Id. at § 3911 (2) (C). Commissioned officers in active service of the Public Health Service (PHS) or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are also covered by the SCRA. Id. at § 3911 (2) (B).
What is the SCRA?
The SCRA, enacted in 2003 and amended several times since then, revised and expanded the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA), a law designed to ease financial burdens on servicemembers during periods of military service. See 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901-4043. The SCRA is a federal law that provides protections for military members as they enter active duty. See id. It covers issues such as rental agreements, security deposits, prepaid rent, evictions, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosures, civil judicial proceedings, automobile leases, life insurance, health insurance and income tax payments. See id.
How much interest is capped for military service?
For mortgages, interest is capped at six percent during the entire period of military service and for one year after the period of military service. 50 U.S.C. § 3937 (a) (1) (A). For all other obligations, interest is capped at six percent only for the duration of the period of military service. Id. at § 3937 (a) (1) (B).
When did the SCRA stop covering student loans?
§ 1078 (d) to make federally guaranteed student loans protected under the SCRA. That means that prior to August 14, 2008, the SCRA did not cover federally guaranteed student loans. So, for federally guaranteed student loans that originated before August 14, 2008, such as student loans that originated under the Federal Family Education Loan (“FFEL”) Program and Direct Loans from the Department of Education, the servicemember borrower is not covered by the SCRA.
Which case cited the SCRA?
Leffers, 333 U.S. 1, 6 (1948) (citing Boone v. Lightner, 319 U.S. 561, 575 (1943)). Restated, the SCRA should generally be read in favor of the servicemembers it is intended to protect. See id.
What rights does the SCRA give you?
The SCRA also gives you other rights regarding property taxes, federal taxes, life insurance, and other financial or legal penalties or proceedings. Check with your unit legal officer for specifics. SCRA Frequently Asked Questions. Interest Rate Limits.
What Does The SCRA Cover?
The SCRA can postpone or suspend financial or civil obligations to prevent you from being taken advantage of while on active duty and away from home.
What is the SCRA?
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) gives military members a wide range of legal protections not available to the general public.
What is the SCRA?
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides legal and financial protections to those who have answered the Nation’s call to serve. The SCRA is a law created to provide extra protections for servicemembers in the event that legal or financial transactions adversely affect their rights ...
What is SCRA protection 2?
Protection #2: Protections against default judgments in civil cases. If you are sued while a servicemember on active duty, you have certain legal protections under the SCRA. These include some protections from a default judgment in a civil action.
What is a SCRA deposit?
purchased or leased a vehicle, or other personal property, before entering active duty service; and. made a deposit or installment payment on a vehicle, or other personal property, before entering active duty service. These federal protections under the SCRA are in addition to any other protections you might have under your state law.
What are the protections for servicemembers?
Department of Justice, these are five protections that servicemembers often ask about: Reducing the interest rate on any pre-service loans to a maximum of 6 percent. Protections against default judgments in civil cases. Protections against foreclosure on their home.
What happens if you don't pay your bills under the SCRA?
Even if you’re protected by the SCRA from repossession without a court order, failing to pay your bills could result in violating your contract.
How much interest do you get on a loan when you are in active duty?
If you took out an automobile, home, or student loan or incurred credit card debt prior to becoming a servicemember (also known as a “pre-service obligation”), or if you took out such a loan jointly with your spouse, then you are entitled to have your interest rate reduced to a maximum of 6 percent per year. To receive this benefit you must notify your lender in writing and include a copy of your orders to active duty service or a letter from your commanding officer that shows the date you began active duty service.
How long can a National Guard member be mobilized?
Members of the National Guard component mobilized under federal orders for more than 30 consecutive days; or. Active duty commissioned officers of the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. SCRA rights may be exercised by anyone holding a valid power of attorney for the servicemember.
Who is eligible for SCRA benefits?
Non-contracted spouses or dependents of an eligible servicemember are also eligible for SCRA benefits. Additional documents required for consideration are: A marriage certificate and a copy of the military identification or. A copy of a valid power of attorney.
How long does it take to get SCRA benefits?
Your request for SCRA benefits must be received within 180 days of the end of your active duty period in order to qualify for SCRA benefits. Benefits will be applied retroactively to your account, if applicable. If you have questions regarding this process, please contact our SCRA team of specialists at (888) 222-4227.
What is the SCRA?
What is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?#N#The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), formerly known as the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act, is a federal law that provides protections to individuals in military service. The law’s purpose is to postpone, suspend, terminate or reduce the amount of certain civil obligations so that members of the armed forces and certain other individuals can focus their full attention on their military or professional responsibilities without adverse consequences for themselves or their families. At Santander Consumer, we are proud to provide our Servicemembers with an SCRA program that goes beyond the minimum requirements.
What is SCRA in military?
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is intended to provide specific benefits and protections when a Servicemember is called to active duty. Santander Consumer USA (SC) recognizes the compromises and sacrifices you make for our country as a U.S. Servicemember. That’s why we are committed to serving you by providing a SCRA program ...
How long does SC extend SCRA?
In connection with the above SCRA program, SC has extended the rights granted to a Servicemember under the SCRA for an additional 90 days after the end of active duty service.
Which branch of the military is SCRA?
Servicemembers called to active duty with one of the following branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard (including each respective Reserve Component) National Guard. In addition, SCRA extends protection to include:
Does SC automatically enroll in SCRA?
If identified, SC will automatically enroll you in SCRA. If SC does not obtain eligible active duty information from the DMDC, at least one of the following documents must be provided in order to establish eligibility for protection under the SCRA: Deployment orders.

Background
- The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, created in 1957 by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society. See Civil Rights Division. As part of this work, the Civil Rights Division is tasked with enforcing the Servicemembers Civil Relief Ac…
Overview
- “[T]he Act [SCRA] must be read with an eye friendly to those who dropped their affairs to answer their country’s call.” Le Maistre v. Leffers, 333 U.S. 1, 6 (1948) (citing Boone v. Lightner, 319 U.S. 561, 575 (1943)). Restated, the SCRA should generally be read in favor of the servicemembers it is intended to protect. See id. Under the SCRA, the Attorney General is authorized to file a federal la…
Specific Benefits and Protections
- The SCRA’s benefits and protections include a six percent interest rate cap on financial obligations that were incurred prior to military service, 50 U.S.C. § 3937; the ability to stay civil court proceedings, id. at §§ 3931, 3932; protections in connection with default judgments, id.; protections in connection with residential (apartment) lease te...
Department of Justice Pleadings and Case Information by Topic
- Note that the following is taken from: http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing-and-civilenforcement-section-cases-1#sm 1. VEHICLE LEASE TERMINATIONS United States v. BMW Fin. Servs., N.A. summary complaint (2/22/2018) settlement agreement (2/22/2018) press release (2/22/2018) 2. TOWING Andre Gordon v. Pete's Auto Service of Denbigh, Inc. (4th Cir.) summary brief for the Un…
A Final Note
- Any of the rights and protections provided for in the SCRA may be waived. 50 U.S.C. § 3918(a). For contracts, leases (including apartment leases) and mortgages, all modifications, terminations and cancellations require a written waiver of rights. Id. at § 3918(b). Such written waivers are effective only if executed during or after the relevant period of military service. Id. at § 3918(a). …