Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: Military Benefits & the Impact On Your TV, Phone, and Internet Plans

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law designed to provide protection and relief to military members as they transition into active duty. Established in 2003, the SCRA was enacted to ease financial burdens related to telecommunications contracts, student loans, credit cards, and various lenders. The act offers various protections to members of the armed forces, allowing them to focus on their duties without the distraction of certain legal and financial obligations. The main objectives of the SCRA include reducing interest rates on pre-existing debts, protecting against eviction and default judgment, and providing options for the termination of leases and service contracts without penalties.

This guide explains the benefits provided to active duty service members in the event of deployment related to Internet, TV, and phone contracts.

An Overview of the Benefits Provided By the SCRA

The SCRA offers a wide range of protections to active duty military personnel, ensuring they can manage their financial and legal affairs with reduced stress. These benefits are crucial for maintaining financial stability and safeguarding against certain legal actions while servicemembers are focused on their military duties.

Eligibility for SCRA Benefits

To qualify for SCRA benefits, individuals must be active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Reservists and members of the National Guard activated under federal orders for more than 30 days are also eligible. Certain SCRA protections extend to the service member's dependents, such as spouses, children, and other dependent family members.

Securing SCRA benefits requires service members to submit a formal request to the relevant creditors or service providers. This process typically involves providing a copy of military orders that detail the period of active duty. Service providers often have specific forms or procedures for submitting SCRA requests, which should be followed carefully to ensure benefits are applied correctly.

Specific SCRA Benefits for Telecommunications

One of the significant areas where SCRA benefits can be applied is telecommunications, including TV, phone, and Internet services. These benefits can help service members manage their communication needs without unnecessary costs or penalties.

Contract Termination

Under the SCRA, military members have the right to terminate certain service contracts without penalties if they receive orders for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or to relocate for 90 days or more to a location that does not support the existing contract. This provision applies to TV, phone, and Internet plans. To terminate a contract, service members must provide written notice to their service provider and include a copy of their military orders. This benefit ensures service members are not financially penalized for fulfilling their active duty orders and relocation obligations.

Fee Waivers and Discounts

Some telecommunications companies offer fee waivers and discounts to active duty military members under the SCRA. These can include waiving early termination fees, reducing monthly premiums and service charges, or providing discounted rates for the duration of the service member's deployment. To take advantage of these benefits, service members should contact their service providers directly, provide proof of active duty status, and inquire about available SCRA-related discounts or fee waivers.

Protection Against Penalty

The SCRA also provides protection against certain penalties that might otherwise be imposed on servicemembers due to changes in their service requirements. For instance, if a servicemember needs to suspend their service temporarily due to deployment, they are protected against reactivation fees or penalties for late payments that occur as a result of their military duties. This protection helps servicemembers avoid additional financial burdens during their service period.

How to Apply SCRA Benefits to TV, Phone, and Internet Plans

Applying SCRA benefits to telecommunications plans involves a few key steps:

1. Notify Service Providers: Contact your service providers to inform them of your eligibility for SCRA benefits. This initial notification can often be done over the phone, but some providers may require written communication.
2. Provide Proof of Eligibility: Submit the necessary documentation, typically a copy of your military orders, to your service provider. Ensure that all documents are clear and include details of your active duty status and service period.
3. Negotiate Benefits: Discuss the specific SCRA benefits you wish to apply to your account. This may include contract termination, fee waivers, or discounts. Clearly outline your needs and confirm that the provider acknowledges your eligibility.
4. Verify Application of Benefits: Once your request has been processed, check your account statements or service confirmation to ensure that the benefits have been correctly applied. If there are any discrepancies, contact the service provider to resolve them.

Tips for Negotiating with Service Providers

• Be Clear and Concise: Clearly state your request and provide all necessary documentation up front.
• Know Your Rights: Demonstrate that you know your SCRA rights and are knowledgeable about your SCRA benefits and protections. Before negotiating, familiarize yourself with the specific SCRA benefits and protections you are entitled to as military personnel.
• Follow Up: Keep records of all communications and follow up to ensure your benefits are applied correctly.

Real-Life Scenarios and Examples

Example 1: Overseas Deployment

Imagine a United States Army officer who has a phone and Internet contract with a provider. He/she receives orders for an overseas deployment lasting one year. Under the SCRA, this officer can terminate their contracts without incurring nonpayment or early termination fees by providing the service provider with a copy of their deployment orders. This allows the officer to avoid paying for services they cannot use while deployed.

Example 2: Domestic Relocation

Say a member of the Air Force is called to active duty for a domestic assignment that requires him/her to move to a different state for six months. They currently have a TV service contract. By notifying their provider and submitting their orders, this service member can either suspend service without penalty or terminate the contract if the same service is not available in theirr new location.

These examples illustrate how SCRA benefits help service members manage their telecommunications needs, maintain financial stability, and reduce stress related to service contracts during active duty.

How SmartMove Can Help Military Families

SmartMove offers a range of resources to assist military families in navigating the complexities of moving and managing utilities, as well as tips for how to maximize military discounts. By partnering with some of the top Internet, TV, and phone plan providers in the country, SmartMove helps service members take advantage of SCRA benefits, ensuring seamless transitions and reducing the financial impact of relocations. Additionally, SmartMove provides guidance on setting up new services, transferring existing contracts, and shopping for the best flexible contracts under the military clause.