What situations will disqualify you from getting a security clearance?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 19:09:00 -0400

I am thinking about getting a security clearance to reclass however I am nervous due to my credit report not being so good. Will a bad credit report automatically disqualify me from getting one,

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2016 7:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 19:21:54 -0400

If you want clear and correct answers I recommend you take some time and go talk to your S2/SSO. They should be able to answer all your questions and even help you start the paperwork. But to answer your question no. Just be honest with anything you get asked. If you did drugs in the past then tell them. When you get investigated it really is about will you be honest and do you have any ties to an enemy. The form you will fill out is the SF86. You can take a look at it and even start gathering the information to prepare for when you actually need it. But I still stand by my original answer... See your units S2/SSO.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 9:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 09:14:36 -0400

credit score

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 20 at 2016 9:48 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 09:48:23 -0400

Not automatically, but it depends on how bad. The point of the credit report is to see if your money troubles could be used as leverage against you.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 11:44 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:44:01 -0400

Well 1) You don't decide if you get a clearance or not, if the job requires it then you'll get it 2) Yes, depending on delinquent payments and what not.... I have a Low credit score because I don't really have a credit history

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 21 at 2016 1:09 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:09:56 -0400

in days past, indications of the inability to handle funds could disqualify (because it was thought it opened the person up to attempted bribery/blackmail). these days, who the hell knows?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2016 1:57 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:57:09 -0400

I don't know if it would disqualify you right out of the gate; but the investigators will probably ask about it and what you are doing to rectify the situation to get your score into a better standing, IMHO.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2017 10:44 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 10:44:28 -0500

As others have stated, financial situations could prevent you from getting a clearance, but the biggest thing that will absolutely prevent it is lying. Do not be dishonest with the investigators. Almost anything can be worked out as long as you're honest.

Response by SSG Dale London made Feb 15 at 2018 9:07 PM

SSG Dale London — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 21:07:36 -0500

The problem with bad credit in a Special Background Investigation is that it highlights at least two potential problems: 1 - that you are irresponsible with money, and 2 - that you are vulnerable to blackmail and / or corruption. The way to defuse the matter is to identify exactly why you have bad credit. If it is because you were kiting bad checks you're in real trouble. That's a felony and, while they probably won't prosecute you, they certainly won't clear you. If it's because you got in over your head with debt, then as long as you have the situation under control now and you are not likely to get in that bother again, you might be okay.
When you fill in your security questionnaire there is a block where you can explain things that you think might be problematic. This is where you want to tell the investigators what the problem was and what you have done to rectify it. They'll check the facts and go from there.
CW3 J.D. Walker had it absolutely right, though. You cannot lie or even embellish the truth a little. If they are even thinking about giving you a clearance (that is, if they don't deny it outright) they will interview you about it. Be absolutely and completely honest. Tell them everything. If you hold something back and they find it out for themselves, your goose is cooked and your clearance is a no-go.
Good luck brother.

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Oct 1 at 2018 11:06 PM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 23:06:46 -0400

If poor money management will disqualify you from a security clearance, why do congress people spend millions of dollars to get a job that pays about 200 thousand a year??

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 10:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:18:21 -0400

It shouldn’t automatically dq you, but be prepared to discuss it during your interview, and be able to explain where the problems arose. Most importantly, be ready to explain how you have made changes to improve the situation.

They already know where you are, and wheee you’ve been. It’s up to you to show them where you’re going.