MNG-072 · SERVING NOW & MILITARY FAMILY
SCRA & MLA Protections
Identify when the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act or Military Lending Act may protect a service member or covered dependent, preserve the military-status evidence, and route a dispute to qualified military legal assistance or the proper enforcement channel.
Do not treat SCRA and MLA as the same law
SCRA addresses civil and financial protections connected to military service, including qualifying pre-service debt interest, certain civil proceedings and default judgments, leases, foreclosure and related obligations. MLA regulates specified consumer-credit transactions for covered borrowers and uses a separate coverage and disclosure framework.
SCRA issues to identify early
- Was the obligation entered before or during the qualifying period of military service?
- What orders or active-duty status establish the protected period?
- Is the problem a debt/interest issue, lease termination, foreclosure, eviction, default judgment, pending civil case, insurance issue, or another statutory protection?
- What written notice, orders, affidavit, request, or court filing is required for that specific protection?
Military OneSource currently summarizes several time-sensitive protections, including at least a 90-day stay in qualifying civil-court circumstances, mortgage-interest protection extending after service, post-service foreclosure protection, and a 30-day request window for reinstating certain suspended professional-liability insurance. The exact statutory provision and facts control; do not use a summary as a substitute for the operative law or legal advice.
Military Lending Act
Military OneSource describes the MLA as a separate consumer-credit protection for covered active-duty members and covered dependents, including a 36% Military Annual Percentage Rate ceiling on covered credit and additional creditor restrictions. Coverage must be tested against the actual transaction and protected-borrower status.
Evidence to preserve
- Orders and proof of military status
- Contract, lease, loan, mortgage, account or court papers
- Statements showing interest, fees, balances and dates
- Written notice invoking the requested protection
- Proof of delivery and creditor/landlord/court response
- Any judgment, foreclosure, repossession, collection or adverse-action notice
Where to get help
Use an installation legal assistance office for individual SCRA questions when eligible. Financial counselors can help organize records and understand an obligation, but legal rights, litigation steps and statutory remedies should be reviewed with qualified counsel.
Related guide: Military Legal Assistance & Administrative Proceedings.
Official sources
Source status: Military OneSource operational guidance verified October 20, 2026. Verify the current statute, regulations, orders, and case-specific deadlines before relying on a protection.
