The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law intended to ease some legal and financial burdens on military personnel and their families during the demands of active military service. It protects the men and women serving our country from proceedings that may affect their civil rights, and allows them to focus on doing their jobs while suspending or postponing certain financial or civil obligations.
Active duty United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard members (and their spouses and dependents), as well as all reserve personnel on active duty, are eligible to receive SCRA benefits.
Some protections that SCRA offers:
- Tolling of statute of limitations during military service (For example, if you were injured in a car accident in California while on active duty, you generally have two years from the date of the injury (statute of limitations) to file a lawsuit. You can extend that deadline by the duration of your active military service.)
- A 6% interest rate cap on all financial obligations
- Protection from eviction from residences where the monthly rent is below a certain amount
- Postponement of property foreclosures
- Postponement of civil court proceedings against you
- Protection against default judgments
- Ability to terminate your phone service, automobile leases, and residential leases early in certain circumstances
We at PARRIS thank all U.S. military personnel for their service. For more information about the benefits you deserve under the SCRA, contact your local military legal assistance office found on most bases, ships, and installations.
