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Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

Servicemembers eligible for this benefit will have their interest rate capped on their eligible loans at 6% or lower, depending on your lender. Additionally, all costs and fees will be waived during their service.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be a member of the uniformed services on active duty or absent from that duty due to sickness, wounds, leave, or other lawful cause, or a U.S. citizen serving with a U.S. allied force in prosecution of war or military action, if such service is similar to "military service" as defined under the SCRA.

    Uniformed service includes:

    • Army
    • Navy
    • Air Force
    • Marines
    • Coast Guard
    • Space Force
    • National Guard (must be called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days for purposes of responding to a national emergency declared by the President and supported by Federal funds.)
    • Commissioned Officer of the Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    • State Service, if your state provides such protection under the law

NOTE: Depending on the eligibility requirements of your lender, the spouse or dependent of an active duty servicemember may be eligible for SCRA benefits. Some lenders may require your loan to be obtained before your active duty start date. Your lender may also require you to request the benefit within 180 days of your active duty end date. Please contact us for more information.

How to apply

To meet the eligibility requirements for SCRA, we may need a request for the benefit from you or your representative (as defined by your lender). The request may be provided via one of the following methods:

If you are unsure if you are receiving this benefit, you can call us toll free at 1-800-233-0557 for additional information. You may also send the SCRA form (PDF), along with a copy of your military orders, by one of the following methods:

Mail: American Education Services
ATTN: SCRA
P.O. Box 2461
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2461

Fax: 717-720-3916

NOTE: If you cannot provide your military orders, you may return the form. We encourage you to send your orders as soon as possible.

To learn more about SCRA benefits, contact your Judge Advocate General's Corps Office.

Postponing Payments

As a servicemember, if you are experiencing financial difficulties you may qualify for deferment or forbearance.

Whether you qualify, and if a deferment or forbearance would assist you in repaying your student loans, depends on your circumstances. Please keep in mind that interest will still accrue and may be capitalized (added to the principal balance of your loans) at the end of any deferment or forbearance period. This may increase the amount you pay over the life of the loan.

See if a deferment or forbearance is right for you or contact us for more information on your deferment or forbearance options.

Do you have Federal Loans?

Find out what special benefits are available for these loans.

Learn More about Federal Loans

Do you have Federal Loans?

Find out what special benefits are available for these loans.

Learn More about Federal Loans

Did You Know?

You may lose your eligibility for SCRA if you consolidate your student loans.