STL Rocks

[DespicableMe]

Its kind of not tough to get if you are an American citizen, atleast the first few stages are pretty easy with no more than a background investigation.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Dis99

but I doubt I would qualify.

Uh oh, what'd you do!?

[Dis99]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Uh oh, what'd you do!?

Never been in trouble with the law, no substance abuse issues, not THAT crazy, but I did have a bankruptcy a few years ago due to a pile of medical bills. I had surgery (including hospital stay) twice without insurance when I was having some health problems. Surprisingly, my credit score is now in pretty good shape, and I don't owe a dime to anyone beyond student loans, but not sure how a bankruptcy would effect my ability to get a clearance.

[BoomBoxing]

I really doubt filing bankruptcy would affect your ability to get a security clearance. In fact few things prevent someone from getting a basic one except a felony or patterns of misconduct.

[Dis99]

Yeah I honestly don't know that much about it. But have read that they look at your finances. I am sure they are most likely looking for people that would potentially sell secrets for money.

And this would be for a "secret" level clearance, which I believe is the second highest level.

[Chicago76]

Originally Posted by Dis99

Yeah I honestly don't know that much about it. But have read that they look at your finances. I am sure they are most likely looking for people that would potentially sell secrets for money.

And this would be for a "secret" level clearance, which I believe is the second highest level.

I've had friends who have gone through the process. Drugs, crime, and signs/history of mental instability are biggest things they look at. They do a credit check, look at high risk financial behaviors that might lead to bankruptcy in the future, but I'm not sure that medical expenses pushing you to bankruptcy in the past would put you out of the running. Gambling, conspicuous consumption, not adjusting your standard of living post divorce with alimony/child support going out the door, etc are much bigger red flags.

I'd give it a shot. You'll have the opportunity to explain the bankruptcy situation in an interview. I'd just bring some support showing just how bad the medical bill situation was in case it comes up. That can happen to anyone who isn't insured, and with a job there, you would have the insurance to prevent that from re-occurring.