For many homeowners, investing in home improvement projects is an important way to protect their property, increase energy efficiency, and improve comfort. For active duty service members, though, these projects can sometimes feel financially overwhelming—especially when deployment or relocation is on the horizon. Fortunately, federal law provides powerful protections to help ease the financial burden.

What Is the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?

The Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law designed to provide active duty military members with financial and legal protections so they can focus on serving our country without undue stress about their obligations back home. Among other benefits, the SCRA caps interest rates on certain debts and financial obligations incurred before entering active duty.

How Does the Interest Rate Reduction Work?

One of the most impactful provisions of the SCRA is the 6% interest rate cap. If a service member took out a loan, credit card, or other financial obligation prior to active duty, the interest rate must be reduced to no more than 6% per year during their period of service.

This protection applies to a wide range of debts, including:​

  • Mortgages
  • Home equity loans
  • Personal loans
  • Credit cards
  • And in many cases, financing used for home improvement projects

By lowering the interest rate, monthly payments become more affordable, and any interest above 6% is permanently forgiven—not deferred. That means service members are truly saving money while serving.

Why This Matters for Home Improvement

For many families, home improvements aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about maintaining safety, preventing costly damage, and improving efficiency. A new roof, updated siding, or upgraded windows can reduce energy bills and protect the home from the elements. For service members preparing for deployment, ensuring their home is in good condition provides peace of mind for their families.

With the SCRA’s interest rate cap, financing these improvements becomes significantly more manageable. Instead of facing double-digit financing rates that add up quickly, service members can take advantage of the law to keep payments affordable while still investing in their homes.

How to Access These Benefits

To take advantage of the SCRA’s protections, service members typically need to:​

  1. Provide a written request to their lender.
  2. Include a copy of their military orders calling them to active duty.

Once notified, the lender must retroactively adjust the interest rate to 6% and forgive any excess interest.

Supporting Those Who Serve

At Millstream Construction, we believe in honoring and supporting those who serve our country. We’re proud to help service members and their families protect their homes, make needed improvements, and take full advantage of the financial protections available under the law.

If you’re an active duty service member considering a home improvement project, know that you may have powerful tools under the SCRA to make financing more affordable. Protecting your home while serving your country should never come at the cost of financial stress—and we’re here to help you navigate the process.