The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act or SCRA is actually a complete revision of the SSCRA, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act, making it more comprehensive for servicemen and women. The SCRA actually provides quite an extensive number of safeguards for those serving in the military or for those who have served in the military. The intention of these acts was to provide protection from civil suits or trials that may be brought to the military serviceman or servicewoman while they are on active duty or reintegrating into civilian life after active duty. While on active duty, they will be able to respond to or address the issue, so there is no need to have the soldier worry about the pending civil suits while they are trying to perform their active-duty responsibilities.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act was also intended as a safety measure. The reason is quite simple. A soldier’s life is dependent on the actions of the other soldiers around them. If one of the soldiers is burdened with responsibilities back home, then they will not be able to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. This, in turn, can become a security risk. If there is just one lapse in mental focus, another soldier’s life could be in danger. It is for this very reason that the act is so important to have in place.
Types of Protections
There are several obligations that the act protects the soldiers from. From the financial category, there is protection from outstanding credit card debt, protection from foreclosures and other mortgage related issues, protection from tax liens and tax assessments and more. In addition to the protection from financial obligations, there is also protection from litigation. This includes protection from lawsuits, divorce proceedings, etc. The act also offers protection from civil obligations such as jury duty.
The latest version of the act is expanded too. It offers additional protections for issues like evictions. The act will protect an active duty military serviceman or servicewoman from eviction for nonpayment of rents up to an amount that is adjusted yearly due to inflation.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service or SCRACVS provides military status verification and rights to determine if people are on active military duty or have retired from duty. The service verifies which individuals qualify for the protections and benefits of the SCRA.
