WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation recently co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis to reauthorize an additional four years of relief for qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserves experiencing financial hardship will be signed into law. The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act will protect a long-standing bipartisan carveout from means-testing restrictions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. 

“The men and women who serve in the National Guard and Reserves provide an invaluable service to our nation,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud this bipartisan legislation will be signed into law so we can ensure protections for members if they fall on financial hardship.”

The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023 will reauthorize the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, which included a clause exempting qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and the National Guard from provisions in the Bankruptcy Code, which limit access to Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on recent income. 

Because National Guard members and reservists often receive higher pay while on active duty than at their civilian jobs, these limits could otherwise prevent them from receiving financial relief in bankruptcy. The National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act ensures they are not penalized for their service. 

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