- Criminal penalties: Individuals who fail to register for Selective Service in the United States are in violation of federal law. Violations can result in fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, individuals who knowingly and willfully fail to register for Selective Service can be denied any federal benefits, including student loans, grants, and job training programs.
- Ineligibility for federal employment: Individuals who have not registered for Selective Service are ineligible for employment in the federal government, with certain exceptions. The only exceptions are for individuals who are:
- Under the age of 18.
- Over the age of 26.
- Not a U.S. citizen.
- A member of the Armed Forces.
- Enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate course of study at an institution of higher education.
- Ineligibility for federal student aid: Individuals who have not registered for Selective Service are also ineligible to receive federal student aid in the form of grants, loans, or other financial assistance. This includes pell grants, student loans, and work-study programs.
- Ineligibility for federal tax benefits: Individuals who have not registered for Selective Service may be ineligible to claim certain federal tax benefits. These benefits include the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit.
It's important to note that the penalties for failing to register for Selective Service can be significant and can affect an individual's education, employment, and financial opportunities. Therefore, all male citizens and male non-citizen immigrants in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register for Selective Service.