One of the most common questions about SCRA benefits is: "How long am I protected?"

The answer varies by protection type. Some last only during active duty, others extend well beyond. Understanding these timelines is crucial for maximizing your benefits.

When SCRA Protection Begins

SCRA protections generally begin on your first day of active duty. For Guard and Reserve members, this means the date you enter Title 10 federal active duty status—not drill weekends or state active duty.

Protection Timelines by Category

6% Interest Rate Cap

Duration: Entire period of active duty service

Start: Date you enter active duty (applies retroactively to that date even if requested later)

End: The day your active duty ends

Request deadline: Within 180 days after military service ends

Key point: You can request the rate cap at any time during service or up to 180 days after, and it will be applied retroactively to your active duty start date.

Foreclosure Protection

Duration: Active duty plus 12 months after service ends

Start: Date you enter active duty

End: 12 months after separation from active duty

Court extension: Courts can extend protection beyond 12 months if your ability to meet the mortgage obligation is materially affected

Eviction Protection

Duration: Entire period of active duty

Start: Date you enter active duty

End: Date active duty ends

Court stay: Courts can stay eviction for at least 90 days and grant further extensions

Lease Termination

When available: Upon receipt of qualifying orders (PCS, deployment 90+ days, or entering active duty)

Effective date: 30 days after the next rent due date following your notice

No time limit: You can exercise this right anytime during service when qualifying orders are received

Repossession Protection (Vehicles and Property)

Duration: Entire period of active duty

Start: Date you enter active duty

End: Date active duty ends

Requirement: Creditors must obtain a court order to repossess

Default Judgment Protection

Duration: Active duty plus 90 days after service ends

Start: Date you enter active duty

End: 90 days after separation from active duty

Reopening rights: You can move to reopen any default judgment entered during service for up to 90 days after service ends

Stay of Proceedings

Initial stay: At least 90 days upon request

Additional stays: Courts can grant additional stays if military service continues to affect your ability to participate

When available: During active duty

Insurance Protections

Duration: Entire period of active duty plus 2 years for reinstatement rights

Termination protection: Insurers cannot terminate for nonpayment during service

Reinstatement: You can reinstate lapsed policies within 2 years after service ends

National Guard and Reserve Timelines

For Guard and Reserve members, the clock works differently:

  • Federal active duty (Title 10): Full SCRA protections apply
  • State active duty (Title 32): Limited federal SCRA protections; state laws may provide additional coverage
  • Drill weekends: SCRA does not apply

Protection periods run from the start to end of each individual period of federal activation, not cumulative service.

Important Deadlines Summary

Protection Request Deadline
6% Rate Cap 180 days after service ends
Foreclosure Protection Automatic during service + 12 months
Default Judgment Reopening 90 days after service ends
Insurance Reinstatement 2 years after service ends
Lease Termination Upon receipt of qualifying orders

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

While these deadlines exist, waiting until the end of your service to claim benefits is risky:

  • You lose months or years of protection
  • Documentation may be harder to obtain later
  • You miss out on savings and refunds
  • Creditors may be less cooperative

Best practice: Request all SCRA benefits as soon as you enter active duty.

Multiple Periods of Service

If you have multiple periods of active duty (common for Guard/Reserve), each period creates its own protection window. Benefits reset and run fresh for each activation.

When Protections Overlap

Many protections can be used together:

  • Rate cap + foreclosure protection on mortgage
  • Rate cap + repossession protection on auto loan
  • Lease termination + eviction protection

Use all applicable protections for maximum benefit.

The Bottom Line

SCRA protection timelines are designed to cover your service and give you a transition period afterward. But the sooner you claim these benefits, the more you'll save.

Don't let these deadlines pass you by.