Reservist Support Center

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) explains the regulations and pitfalls in digestible question-and-answer fashion.  The ESGR also has an ombudsman service, reachable toll-free at 800-336-4590.

Anyone seeking assistance about reemployment can also call the Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) office at the US Department of Labor.  Reservists, family members or employers can call toll-free 866-4-USA-DOL; or visit the nearest VETS service center in Room E-315 of the JFK Federal Building in Boston (no appointment is needed).

One statute administered by the Department of Defense the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, ensures that mobilized Reservists can maintain  employer-sponsored health care coverage for 18 months. 

As an alternative, families of Reservists called to duty for over a month can choose to enroll in TRICARE the Pentagon's health maintenance organization. 

A 1940 law, the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act, has been invoked by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to relieve some of the understandable concern anxiety about meeting monthly housing expenses.  Among other things, it entitles active-duty Reservists to reductions in mortgage interest rates to six percent; protects against foreclosure; and permits termination of rental leases without financial penalty.  For details, call toll-free 888-297-8685. 

Lending institutions have received notices from the Treasury Department outlining their legal obligations to eligible Reservists.  The Treasury directive also notes that lenders may choose voluntarily to extend similar benefits to others, including existing active duty personnel deployed overseas.

In addition, the Department of Education has relieved active duty Reservists from monthly payments for federal student loans -- and has urged colleges and universities to offer refund or credit of tuition already paid by students forced to withdraw from school to fulfill their military obligations. 

Help for Employers:

The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans of up to $1.5 million to firms financially impacted by the loss of key employees.  The loans can be used to pay debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills. 

The interest rate is four percent, with a maximum term of 30 years.  The SBA determines the amount of economic injury and the terms of each loan, based on the financial circumstances of each borrower.  Businesses may apply for Military Reservist Economic Injury Loans beginning from the date the employee is ordered to active duty. 

Small businesses on the South Shore and Cape & Islands may inquire online or through the SBA office in Niagra Falls, NY or by calling toll-free 800-659-2955.