Military Benefits & Housing Programs Flashcards

Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), what is the maximum annual interest rate a lender may charge on debts incurred before active duty service?

Answer: 6%

SCRA caps pre-service debt interest at 6% per year while the service member is on active duty, and lenders must forgive—not defer—the excess interest.

Under SCRA, how much written notice must a service member provide to a landlord to terminate a residential lease early due to PCS orders or deployment?

Answer: 30 days

SCRA requires 30 days written notice with a copy of PCS or deployment orders; the termination becomes effective 30 days after the next rent due date.

What is the primary purpose of the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP)?

Answer: Helping service members sell homes that have declined in value due to base closure or realignment

HAP protects service members from financial loss when market values drop near bases affected by BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) decisions.

The VA's Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant is intended for which group of veterans?

Answer: Veterans with severe service-connected disabilities affecting mobility who need an adapted home

SAH grants help veterans with qualifying severe disabilities—such as loss of limbs or blindness—build or modify a primary residence for independent living.

What SCRA protection applies specifically to vehicles purchased before active duty when the service member falls behind on payments?

Answer: The creditor must obtain a court order before repossessing the vehicle

For pre-service vehicle contracts, SCRA requires the creditor to get a court order before repossession, giving the service member the opportunity to present their case.

What is the HUD-VASH program and who does it serve?

Answer: A Section 8 housing voucher program paired with VA case management services for homeless veterans

HUD-VASH combines HUD's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance with VA supportive services to help homeless veterans achieve stable housing.

Under SCRA, what protection applies to civil court proceedings when a service member cannot attend because of military duties?

Answer: Courts may stay (postpone) civil proceedings when military service materially affects the member's ability to participate

SCRA allows courts to grant a mandatory stay of at least 90 days when a service member requests it and demonstrates that duty prevents adequate defense or prosecution.