Ahead of Military Protection Month in July, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin has partnered with the National Association of Attorneys General to inform military families of their rights under the law.
"Servicemembers demonstrate ultimate courage and bravery as they put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms and values of the United States. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military sacrifice time away from loved ones to ensure the safety of all Americans. Military families have done so much for our country and in turn it is important to help ensure that they know all of the rights and protections they are granted," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.
The federal laws that protect active members of the military and veterans are the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SRCA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Both of these laws provide legal and financial protections, as well as employment rights.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SRCA) is a federal law that provides protections for military members as they enter active duty. It covers issues such as rental agreements, security deposits, prepaid rent, evictions, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosures, civil judicial proceedings, automobile leases, life insurance, health insurance and income tax payments.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the civilian employment rights of servicemembers and veterans. Among other things, under certain conditions, USERRA requires employers to put individuals back to work in their civilian jobs after military service. If you are eligible for reemployment, you must be restored to the position and seniority-based benefits that you would have attained or, in some cases, a comparable job, had you not been absent from work to perform military service.
"As a son of a World War II veteran, I recognize the importance of servicemembers knowing their rights under the law and helping to ensure that they are protected from those who are seeking to take advantage of them," added Attorney General Kilmartin.