Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act
The Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides certain credit protections to active duty servicemembers. Eligible student and parent loans will not exceed a 6.0% interest rate for the duration the servicemember is on active duty.
How do I request SCRA benefits?
Call us at 1-844-DFS-4MIL anytime 24/7. If you're calling from outside the US, please call +1-801-451-3730. You can also log into your account, send us a message and use Secure Document Upload, or make your request via fax to 1-224-813-5195, or mail to Discover Student Loans, Customer Service, PO Box 30948, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0948.
Please provide us with a copy of your military orders or other supporting documentation. Examples of acceptable documentation include, but are not limited to:
- Military Enlistment/ReenlistmentContract
- Leave and Earning Statement (LES)
- Letter from your commanding officer
- Deployment or active duty orders
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) documentation
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214/5 Series)
- Any other documentation on military letterhead confirming your active military duty status
Who is eligible for SCRA benefits?
Discover provides benefits to servicemembers and their spouses/domestic partners. For most student and parent loans, the loan must have been originated prior to the servicemember's active duty start date. For private consolidation loans, Discover's SCRA benefits are available regardless of whether the original loan was opened prior to active duty. The servicemember must be currently on active duty or eligible within 180 days of active duty in one of the below military services:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Space Force
- Marine Corps
- Coast Guard
- US Allied Forces
- Reservists and members of the National Guard on active duty
- Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
When do SCRA benefits apply?
SCRA benefits apply to eligible accounts for you, and your spouse or domestic partner, from the active duty start date through the duration of the active duty period.
Active Military Duty Deferment
This deferment is for borrowers on active military duty or qualifying National Guard duty during a war, other military operation, or a national emergency.
Can I postpone my parent or student loan payment while on active duty?
Yes, Discover offers you the option to request an Active Military Duty Deferment, allowing you to postpone making payments during your time of active duty for up to a maximum of 36 months. If you have any questions regarding Active Military Duty Deferment, please call us at 1-800-STUDENT, anytime 24/7.
