FAQs
No, a debt collector cannot revoke your security clearance. However, failing to pay debts on time can result in negative information on your credit reports and may cause your security clearance to be pulled when it's up for review.
Can collections affect security clearance? ›
Your credit and debt will be a primary factor in whether you are granted security clearance. In fact, it's far and away the most common reason security clearance requests are denied.
What happens if you lose your security clearance in the military? ›
Losing your security clearance may result in discharge from the service or may limit your ability to receive a promotion. If your request for security clearance has been denied, don't feel like you have no further say in the matter and that you will never receive the clearance you need.
Does the military care about collections? ›
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) grants military personnel particular legal and financial protections. While on active duty, military personnel are given protection from outstanding credit card debt, mortgage payments, pending court trials, taxes, and lease terminations.
How can a security clearance be revoked? ›
Some of the reasons why your clear may be revoked include the following: Criminal activity. Personal conduct that calls your judgment or integrity into question. Security issues concerning your trustworthiness, loyalty, or vulnerability to blackmail or coercion.
What disqualifies you from a security clearance? ›
What can disqualify you?
- You are not a U.S. citizen.
- You were dishonorably discharged from the military.
- You are currently involved in illegal drug use.
- You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.
- You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.
Credit checks can report information on a candidate's credit report, including accounts in collection, bankruptcies, and credit-to-debt ratio.
How do people lose their security clearance? ›
Refusing to complete or be truthful on security clearance forms; A “pattern of dishonesty” or rule violations; Association with people involved in any kind of crime; Negative feedback from acquaintances, employers, or coworkers; and.
How do I keep my security clearance active after the military? ›
There are a few ways in which you can maintain the 'Active' status of your security clearance. However, the best and the easiest way to maintain the validity of your security clearance is to get a position that is deemed as 'Cleared' by a government agency or any other company.
How to check if security clearance is still active? ›
You can check your security clearance status using several online portals. The Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) and the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) are primary portals. By accessing JPAS or DISS, you will see your current status, clearance level, and expiration date.
Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
A debt collector cannot prosecute you under the UCMJ - only the military can do that. However, servicemembers are expected to pay their legitimate financial obligations in a proper and timely manner.
What happens if I have collections prior joining the military? ›
Military personnel have a powerful and money-saving tool in the form of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The SCRA caps any interest rates on loans you had prior to enlisting at 6%, including credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and more.
Does the military forgive debt? ›
Service to our country qualifies borrowers for one of the most popular student loan forgiveness programs — Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This program forgives all federal student loan debt after the borrower makes 120 qualifying payments while working full-time with the military or another qualifying non-profit.
Can you get your clearance back if you lose it? ›
If your clearance has been denied or revoked (whether officially or with intent), there are options to fight to retain or obtain the clearance. While the options to fight back will depend on your specific situation, many federal employees are able to appeal their revocations successfully.
What is a security clearance violation? ›
Security Violations
Individuals with a history of security lapses, unauthorised disclosures, or mishandling classified materials are likely to face disqualification. Upholding the highest standards of security practices is imperative for individuals seeking or holding security clearances.
Can my clearance be reinstated? ›
Yes. If a person previously had a clearance and the investigation has not gone out-of-date, the clearance can be reinstated by the agency that originally granted the clearance or it can be accepted and reciprocally granted by a different agency, provided there hasn't been a break-in-service of two years or more.
Can bad credit affect security clearance? ›
If you want to pursue a military career, your most significant obstacle may be your credit history: in many cases, financial issues are the leading cause of security clearance denials for most candidates and can make it very hard to get a military security clearance with bad credit.
Can collections stop you from getting a job? ›
Unresolved collection accounts
Collections accounts can appear to a hiring professional like you lost control of your financial life at some point.
What will get you denied a security clearance? ›
More specific conditions that may endanger your security clearance include: A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud; Failure to satisfy your debts; and. Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.
What will affect my security clearance? ›
Each application is individually assessed, and some clearance applications can be denied. The AGSVA website presses the most important factors in the clearance process are your honesty, openness, and thoroughness when completing your security pack and answering questions.
