Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

Air Force Reserve: Retired

Benefit Fact Sheet

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 military members and their dependents certain protections related to military service. 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.

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

Eligibility

Retired Air Force Reserve Servicemembers 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/

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: 31 July 2026