SCRA Saver vs Military Benefits Lawyer: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the Right Path for Your SCRA Benefits

You know you qualify for SCRA benefits. Now you're deciding how to claim them. Your options:

1. File yourself (DIY)
2. Use SCRA Saver
3. Hire a military benefits lawyer

Each approach has trade-offs. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

Option 1: DIY (File Yourself)

Cost: Free

Time investment: 5-15 hours depending on number of accounts

What you'll do:

• Research each lender's SCRA process
• Gather and copy all documentation
• Write formal request letters
• Submit to each lender separately
• Track status and follow up with each
• Handle any denials or complications

Pros:

• No cost
• Full control over the process
• Learn how SCRA works in detail

Cons:

• Time-consuming, especially with multiple accounts
• Easy to make mistakes that cause delays
• No expertise for handling denials
• Must track multiple lenders yourself
• No support if things go wrong

Best for: Service members with 1-2 accounts, time to spare, and comfort with paperwork.

Option 2: SCRA Saver

Cost: $59 one-time fee

Time investment: 10-15 minutes

What we do:

• Analyze all your accounts for SCRA eligibility
• Generate proper documentation and letters
• Submit to all lenders on your behalf
• Track status and follow up automatically
• Handle denials and escalations
• Maximize retroactive refunds

Pros:

• Minimal time investment
• All accounts handled at once
• Expert handling reduces denials
• Automatic tracking and follow-up
• 98% success rate
• Fixed, affordable cost

Cons:

• $59 fee (typically recovered many times over in refunds)
• Less hands-on control

Best for: Service members who want fast, hassle-free results across multiple accounts.

Option 3: Military Benefits Lawyer

Cost: $200-500+ per hour, or contingency (20-40% of refunds)

Time investment: Several hours for consultations and document gathering

What they do:

• Provide legal advice on your specific situation
• Handle complex or disputed claims
• Pursue legal action if lenders refuse to comply
• Represent you in formal proceedings

Pros:

• Legal expertise for complex situations
• Can sue non-compliant lenders
• Best for serious disputes or violations
• May recover additional damages

Cons:

• Expensive (may exceed your refund amount)
• Overkill for straightforward claims
• Longer timelines
• Still requires your time for consultations

Best for: Service members facing lender refusal, significant violations, or complex legal issues.

Decision Matrix

The Math on Value

Consider a typical SCRA claim:

• Potential refund: $2,500
• DIY cost: $0 + 10 hours of your time
• SCRA Saver cost: $59
• Lawyer cost: $500-1,000 (or 25% = $625)

If your time is worth $25/hour, DIY "costs" $250 in time. SCRA Saver costs $59 and takes 15 minutes. A lawyer costs $500+.

For straightforward SCRA claims, SCRA Saver provides the best value—expert handling at a fraction of lawyer costs, with minimal time investment.

When You Definitely Need a Lawyer

• Lender has explicitly refused to comply after CFPB complaint
• You're seeking damages beyond rate reduction
• You're part of a class action
• There's a complex legal dispute about your eligibility
• You've been harmed beyond just excess interest

For these situations, legal representation makes sense. But for 95% of SCRA claims, you don't need a lawyer—you need someone to handle the paperwork efficiently.

Free Resources First

Before paying anyone, remember:

• Military OneSource: Free legal guidance
• Installation Legal Assistance: Free help for service members
• CFPB: Free complaint resolution

These resources can help with straightforward issues at no cost.

The Bottom Line

For most service members, the choice is between DIY (if you have time and few accounts) and SCRA Saver (if you want it handled efficiently). Lawyers are rarely necessary for SCRA claims unless there's a serious dispute.

What matters most is that you actually claim your benefits. Too many service members do nothing because the process seems complicated. Pick an approach and get started—your money is waiting.