SCRA explained

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act covers all National Guard members while on active duty. The protection begins on the date of entering active duty and generally terminates within 30 to 90 days after the date of discharge from active duty.

The SCRA provides a wide range of protections for individuals entering, called to active duty, or deployed servicemembers. It is intended to postpone or suspend certain civil obligations to enable service members to devote full attention to duty and relieve stress on the family members of those deployed servicemembers. A few examples of such obligations you may be protected against are: outstanding credit card debt, mortgage payments, pending trials, taxes and lease terminations.

The Act expands current law that protects servicemembers and their families from eviction from housing while on active duty due to nonpayment of rents. Under the new provisions this protection would cover housing leases up to $2,720.95 per month – and then be adjusted annually to account for inflation.

SCRA clarifies limits to six percent interest on credit obligations incurred prior to military service or activation, including credit card debt. Please note that this law only covers debt incurred prior to military service.

The Act will prevent states from using the income earned by a servicemember in determining the spouse’s tax rate when they do not maintain their permanent legal residence in that state.

If you haven’t already taken advantage of the SCRA, please look into it so that you get the full benefits allowed to you under the law. Remember that only a lawyer can advise you on legal matters.

Family Readiness increases grants

The New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council has increased the amounts of family and business grants up to $5,000 and $10,000, respectively. Both grants are known as TIER I grants.

TIER II family grants are also available to New Jersey Army and Air National Guard non-deployed servicemembers who served on State Active Duty or State Missions (e.g., hurricanes, floods, border missions) for more than 20 consecutive days. Servicemembers meeting these criteria are eligible to apply for a financial hardship grant up to $1,500.

Applications are available at all New Jersey Army and Air National Guard Family Assistance Centers