Overview

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law designed to provide financial and legal protections for active-duty servicemembers. These protections help ensure that military personnel can focus on their duties without facing undue financial burdens.

Under the SCRA, eligible servicemembers may qualify for interest rate reductions, fee waivers, and protection against certain legal actions, including repossession of personal property without a court order.

Who Is Eligible for SCRA Benefits?

SCRA benefits may be requested by active-duty servicemembers and, in some cases, their dependents, provided their loan account was opened prior to active duty. Eligible individuals include:

✔ Active-duty members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force
✔ Reservists serving on active duty
✔ National Guard members mobilized under federal orders for more than 30 consecutive days
✔ Active-duty commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (PHS) or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
✔ Servicemembers on leave or absent due to sickness, wounds, or other lawful causes

How to Request SCRA Benefits

To apply for SCRA benefits, you must submit a request along with the following documentation:

A written request for SCRA relief

• Example: "I am a servicemember (or legal representative) who has been called to active duty. My name and date of birth are provided below. I hereby request the benefits and protections guaranteed under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act for the loan(s) identified below."

A copy of your military orders (or a letter from your commanding officer on official letterhead) that includes:

• Your name and Social Security Number

• Your active duty start date

• Your branch of service

A DMDC record verification will be conducted as part of the application review process. If you choose to submit an application without documentation, SCRA benefits will be automatically applied if the DMDC search confirms eligibility. Please be aware that DMDC records are generally limited to members serving under Title 10 orders.

How to Submit Your Request

📧 Email: scrabenefits@upstart.com
 📬 Mail: Upstart Loan Operations, P.O. Box 1503, San Carlos, CA 94070

📌 If a spouse, dependent, or authorized representative will manage your account during deployment, please submit a notarized Power of Attorney (POA) to authorize account access.

When Should I Request SCRA Benefits?

SCRA benefits should be requested as soon as possible, but no later than 180 days after completing active duty/service.

How Will SCRA Benefits Affect My Loan?

If approved, SCRA benefits may include:

• Interest rate reduction

• Waived fees on your loan

• Protections against repossession of personal property without a court order (if eligible)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my request take to process?

You should receive a response within 10 days of submitting your request.

Will I receive a refund or credit for any overpayment I may have made during my service?

For most borrowers, any interest or fees charged above 6% during active duty will be:
✔ Applied to any past-due balance first
✔ Any remaining credit will be refunded to your bank account on file

📌 For First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) customers, the interest rate cap is 0%. See the FNBO-specific section below for details.

Why was my request denied?

Common reasons for denial:
 ❌ The loan was opened during active duty (SCRA benefits apply only to loans opened before service)
 ❌ The request was submitted after the 180-day post-service window
 ❌ The loan was paid off before active duty started
 ❌ Insufficient documentation was provided to verify active duty status or dependency

Can I apply SCRA benefits to multiple loans?

Yes. If you have more than one loan, include the loan IDs for all accounts in your request.

How can a designated representative manage my loan while I’m serving?

If a spouse, dependent, or authorized family member will handle your account during service, submit a notarized Power of Attorney (POA) via email or mail.

Does SCRA protect me from vehicle repossession?

Yes, if you qualify for SCRA benefits, your vehicle cannot be repossessed without a court order while you are on active duty.

Can I request SCRA benefits for a loan I already paid off?

Yes, if you overpaid on the loan while on active duty, you may be eligible for a refund if the request is submitted within 180 days of leaving service.

Where can I find more information?

Visit the official U.S. Department of Justice SCRA resource:
 🔗 https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers/topics

How can I contact you for further assistance?

For loan-specific inquiries, visit the Contact Us section in your My Account dashboard.

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) Customers

📌 Note: If your loan is with First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), you may be eligible for a refund of any interest or fees above 0% charged during active duty plus one year after service ends. If applicable:
✔ The overpayment amount will first be applied to any outstanding balance.
✔ If there is no past-due balance, the refund will be sent to your bank account on file.

If you are an FNBO customer and have questions about SCRA benefits, refer to your loan agreement or contact FNBO support for lender-specific details