What is the SCRA?
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a powerful federal law that provides 21+ financial and legal protections to active duty military members—but most service members don't know they exist.
A federal law (50 U.S.C. §§ 3901-4043) that provides financial and legal protections to active duty military service members, allowing them to focus on their mission without worrying about civil legal matters back home.
SCRA Overview
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, commonly known as the SCRA, is one of the most valuable yet underutilized benefits available to military service members. Enacted by Congress to ensure that those serving our country can focus on their duties without being disadvantaged by their military service.
The law recognizes a simple truth: when you're deployed or stationed away from home, you can't easily manage your financial affairs, appear in court, or negotiate with creditors. The SCRA levels the playing field by providing specific, enforceable protections.
Most military members qualify for multiple SCRA protections but never claim them. The 6% interest rate cap alone can save thousands annually on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
History of the SCRA
The SCRA has roots going back over 100 years, evolving to meet the needs of service members in each era:
What Does the SCRA Protect?
The SCRA provides over 21 distinct protections across financial, legal, housing, and contractual matters. Here are the major categories:
Caps interest rates at 6% on all pre-service debt including credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and student loans.
Terminate residential and vehicle leases without penalty when receiving PCS orders or deployment of 90+ days.
Landlords must obtain a court order to evict, and courts can stay eviction for up to 3 months.
Prevents foreclosure without a court order during service and for 12 months after.
Postpone civil court proceedings for at least 90 days if military duty prevents appearance.
Cancel cell phone contracts, gym memberships, and other service contracts without early termination fees.
View all 21+ SCRA protections →
Who Qualifies for SCRA?
The SCRA covers all service members on active duty status:
- Active Duty: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard
- National Guard: When activated under federal orders (Title 10)
- Reserves: When called to active duty under federal orders
- Commissioned Corps: Public Health Service and NOAA officers
Check your full eligibility requirements →
How Does SCRA Work?
SCRA benefits are not automatic. To receive protection, you must:
- Identify your protections — Determine which SCRA benefits apply to your situation
- Submit written requests — Send formal requests to each creditor, landlord, or entity
- Provide military orders — Include a copy of your orders showing active duty status
- Follow up — Track responses and escalate to regulators if creditors don't comply
Each creditor requires a separate request. If you have a mortgage, two credit cards, an auto loan, and a gym membership, that's five separate letters with documentation. Many service members find this process overwhelming—which is why most SCRA benefits go unclaimed.
Common SCRA Myths
Myth: SCRA benefits are automatic
Reality: You must formally request each protection in writing. Creditors won't apply the 6% cap or other benefits unless you ask.
Myth: The 6% cap only applies to interest going forward
Reality: If you've been on active duty and paying more than 6% interest, you're entitled to retroactive refunds of the excess interest paid.
Myth: SCRA only helps with debt
Reality: SCRA covers lease terminations, court proceedings, insurance, taxes, and much more. It's comprehensive civil relief, not just financial.
Myth: Lenders always comply voluntarily
Reality: While major banks have improved compliance, many creditors require multiple follow-ups, proper documentation, and sometimes regulatory complaints to honor SCRA rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Claim Your SCRA Benefits
The average service member qualifies for thousands in annual savings but never claims their benefits because the process is time-consuming and confusing. SCRA Saver handles everything for you—we generate the letters, submit them to your creditors, track responses, and escalate non-compliance.