Tools and Tips for Military Members & Veterans
What is a Military Power of Attorney
*This article is for information purposes only and not intended as legal advice
A Power of Attorney (POA) legally authorizes a designated person to act on behalf and make decisions for another person. There are many types of POA’s – limited, medical, general, springing, financial, military. Each state has a different set of rules, but according to the American Bar Association, a power of attorney is accepted in all states. Most powers of attorney remain valid until revoked or until the grantor dies.
For service members, a power of attorney can grant a trusted person to act on their behalf for various purposes, including legal and financial matters. Luckily, the military provides free legal services for this purpose. More information can be found here: https://legalassistance.law.af.mil
Click here for information from the American Bar Association on Power of Attorney
Click here for information from Military One Source on Military Power of Attorney
What is SCRA
*This article is for information purposes only and not intended as legal advice
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides financial and legal protections for active-duty military members. Some provisions also apply to the person holding a POA for the servicemember and also their dependents in some cases.
Five main protections are covered under the SCRA: Interest Rates, Civil Judgments, Foreclosure, Repossession, and Penalties for Housing and Auto Leases. Each of these protections ensures the service member is not put at a disadvantage while he/she is actively protecting the country. Such protections include a maximum loan rate of 6%, protection against being sued, and foreclosing on a home. While these protections do not relieve the servicemember from paying their debts or fulfilling their obligations, they do ensure the matter at hand is delayed until after the period of active duty and up to a year beyond their return. Often, proof is required to exercise these rights, and usually is in the form of providing deployment paperwork to the financial institution or legal entity.
SCRA covers existing loans only. New loans taken after active duty has started are not covered by the protections of the SCRA.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/servicemembers/the-servicemembers-civil-relief-act-scra/#:~:text=The%20SCRA%20is%20a%20law,defense%20needs%20of%20the%20Nation
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You work hard to defend our country and we want to work hard to help you protect your finances.Here you will find information on fraud and other means to protect all that is important to your financial well-being.