Congratulations on entering active duty. Whether you're fresh out of basic training or a Guard/Reserve member called to federal service, you now have access to powerful financial protections under the SCRA.

Here's your complete checklist to make sure you claim every benefit you're entitled to.

Before You Begin: Gather These Documents

You'll need copies of these documents for most SCRA requests:

  • Military orders showing your active duty start date
  • LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) as additional proof
  • Military ID

Make digital copies and keep them accessible—you'll use them repeatedly.

Phase 1: Interest Rate Reductions (Do This First)

Credit Cards

For each credit card opened BEFORE active duty:

  • [ ] List all credit cards and current interest rates
  • [ ] Contact each issuer to request SCRA 6% rate cap
  • [ ] Submit military orders
  • [ ] Request retroactive refund of excess interest
  • [ ] Verify rate change on next statement

Auto Loans

For each auto loan originated BEFORE active duty:

  • [ ] Contact your auto lender
  • [ ] Request SCRA 6% rate cap
  • [ ] Submit military orders
  • [ ] Request retroactive refund
  • [ ] Verify rate change on next statement

Student Loans

For each student loan taken out BEFORE active duty:

  • [ ] Contact each loan servicer
  • [ ] Request SCRA 6% rate cap
  • [ ] Submit military orders (federal servicers may verify automatically)
  • [ ] Request retroactive refund of excess interest
  • [ ] Verify rate change

Mortgage

If your mortgage originated BEFORE active duty:

  • [ ] Contact your mortgage servicer
  • [ ] Request SCRA 6% rate cap
  • [ ] Submit military orders
  • [ ] Request retroactive refund
  • [ ] Verify reduced payment on next statement

Personal Loans

For any other loans from BEFORE active duty:

  • [ ] List all loans and lenders
  • [ ] Request 6% rate cap from each
  • [ ] Submit military orders
  • [ ] Request retroactive refund

Phase 2: Review Leases and Contracts

Residential Lease

If you're renting and have PCS/deployment orders:

  • [ ] Review your lease termination options under SCRA
  • [ ] If terminating: provide written notice with orders
  • [ ] Calculate termination date (30 days after next rent due)
  • [ ] Document move-out condition

Vehicle Lease

If you have a car lease and qualifying orders:

  • [ ] Check if orders qualify (180+ days or overseas PCS)
  • [ ] If terminating: provide written notice with orders
  • [ ] Return vehicle within 15 days of notice

Cell Phone Contract

If deploying or relocating outside coverage area:

  • [ ] Contact carrier about SCRA termination
  • [ ] Submit military orders
  • [ ] No early termination fee applies

Other Contracts

Review and potentially terminate:

  • [ ] Gym memberships
  • [ ] Internet service
  • [ ] Home security monitoring
  • [ ] Any other service contracts

Phase 3: Set Up Protections

Insurance Review

  • [ ] Review life insurance policies—ensure coverage is protected
  • [ ] Check professional liability insurance for suspension options
  • [ ] Review health insurance for post-service reinstatement rights

Legal Protections

  • [ ] Update your contact information for any pending legal matters
  • [ ] Notify courts of your military status if you have ongoing cases
  • [ ] Request stays of proceedings if needed

Tax Considerations

  • [ ] Review state tax domicile—maintain residency in favorable state
  • [ ] Inform spouse about MSRRA tax benefits
  • [ ] Request tax deferrals if military service affects ability to pay

Phase 4: Create Your Records System

  • [ ] Create a folder (digital and/or physical) for SCRA documents
  • [ ] Save copies of all written requests
  • [ ] Save copies of all responses from creditors
  • [ ] Save delivery confirmations (certified mail receipts)
  • [ ] Keep a log of phone calls (date, time, representative, outcome)

Phase 5: Monitor and Maintain

Monthly

  • [ ] Review statements to verify 6% rates are applied
  • [ ] Check for any unauthorized charges or fees
  • [ ] Monitor credit report for issues

When You Receive New Orders

  • [ ] Review lease termination options
  • [ ] Notify creditors of status changes if relevant
  • [ ] Update contact information

Before Separation from Active Duty

  • [ ] Verify all rate caps were properly applied
  • [ ] Request any outstanding refunds
  • [ ] Understand post-service protection timelines
  • [ ] Plan for rate increases back to original rates

Quick Reference: Key SCRA Contacts

  • Base Legal Assistance: Your first resource for SCRA questions
  • CFPB: consumerfinance.gov (file complaints)
  • DMDC SCRA Website: For verifying your military status in the database
  • State Attorney General: For creditors who won't comply

Common First-Month Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting to request benefits—do it immediately
  • Only contacting one creditor—review ALL pre-service debts
  • Accepting "we can't do that"—SCRA is federal law, not optional
  • Not keeping records—document everything from day one
  • Forgetting about small accounts—store cards, old accounts all qualify

You've Earned These Benefits

SCRA benefits aren't a favor—they're a legal right you've earned through your service. The law exists to ensure that military service doesn't create financial hardship for you and your family.

Use this checklist, claim your benefits, and focus on your mission.