Your financial situation can affect your security clearance, your mission readiness, and your family life. DoD PFMs and PFCs understand what you’re going through, and the unique financial challenges you face as a servicemember.
PFMs and PFCs are usually part of the Airman & Family Readiness Center, Army Community Service, Fleet and Family Support Center, Marine Corps Community Services, or their equivalents.
Consult a PFM or PFC for a private and confidential talk. They can help you with:
- one-on-one counseling
- free classes and seminars on money management, your credit, military savings programs, and how to get out of debt
- applying for emergency financial help
- getting your free FICO credit score through the FINRA Investor Education Foundation
To find a PFM or PFC, visit Military Installations and select "Personal Financial Management Services” or call Military OneSource (1-800-342-9647). Or visit the DoD’s Office of Financial Readiness directory of PFCs.
You and your family can access free legal services through your legal assistance office. Specific services vary by installation.
If you’re an active duty servicemember, reservist, or member of the National Guard on active duty, you have important rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The SCRA may let you:
- get reduced interest rates on your mortgage, credit card, car financing, and some student loans that were signed before you entered active duty
- request the rate reduction from your creditor, in writing. Include a copy of your orders to active duty or other confirmation of your active duty status
- request the rate reduction at any time during your active duty service, and up to 180 days after your service ends. For mortgages, you can make the request for one year after your active duty end
- postpone foreclosure, eviction, repossession, default judgments, and other matters in civil court, and income tax payment
- terminate your phone contract and auto or residential lease — and protect against termination of life insurance
The SCRA’s protections start the day you begin active duty and end within one year after the date you’re discharged. Contact your legal assistance program with questions.
To learn more about legal issues and your rights, visit:
- Service Legal Assistance programs: Air Force, Army, Navy/Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force
- ABA’s Military Pro Bono Project
- Stateside Legal’s DIY help, sample letters and forms
- Emergency relief and assistance
- Army Emergency Relief
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Air Force Aid Society (includes Airmen and Space Force Guardians)
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance — 1-800-881-2462
- National Guard, Joint Services Support programs
