Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

Regular Air Force: Retired

Benefit Fact Sheet

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Summary

The Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA), formerly known as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA), is a federal law that gives all military members some important rights as they enter active duty. It covers such issues as rental agreements, security deposits, prepaid rent, eviction, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, automobile leases, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosure, civil judicial proceedings, and income tax payments. It also provides many important protections to military members while on active duty.

Note: Servicemembers give up some SCRA rights if they sign an agreement with a waiver during or after their military service.

Eligibility

Retired Airmen and Guardians are not eligible for the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Airman with a helicopter landing in the background

Additional Information

Servicemembers and Family members with SCRA questions should contact their local Legal Assistance Office:
https://legalassistance.law.af.mil/

SCRA Consumer Compliance Handbook:
https://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/supmanual/cch/scra.pdf

Department of Justice:
https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers/topics#financial

U.S. Code Chapter 50: Servicemembers Civil Relief:
https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title50/chapter50&edition=prelim

SCRA Website-OSD:
https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/scra/#/home

Document Review Date: 07 November 2023