Hello =) I am trying to apply for a Job that requires a Military Security Clearance. (the lowest level clearance) I have bad credit history due to default student loans and medical bills. I have had my wages garnished twice. About one month ago I paid all of my debt in full. I currently have zero debt. Do you think now that my debt has been paid my credit history will affect my chances at getting the clearance? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
They will probably interview you, maybe ask for proof that it's paid. But as long as you're up front about what happened you should be OK.
Just don't lie about it or try to hide it in the forms or interviews. That would be much worse than them finding it in your credit report.
Thanks a lot for the encouraging words!! Yep I have proof that all of it is paid. I have written letters requested from the creditors. When I did my free credit check is there going to be a difference in the three credit reporting agencies? I just did a free credit check and then paid all of the bad credit items on the report. Is there something else I should do also?
New Information: So I checked all three credit reporting companies and it shows everything paid off. One change....the clearance that I need is Secret Military security not the lowest clearance level! Do you think I will be able to get this clearance?
You'll be fine. I've seen people get Top Secret with things on their report. The main thing is to be up front about it, don't try to lie or hide it. They're looking for reasons you would take money for information or be blackmailed. If you've paid everything, there's no reason for you to go for the money. And if you're open and up front, there's nothing to blackmail. I think you're fine.
You should be okay. However, after you've received your clearance you may think about disputing some of the paid derogatories off simply to improve your credit score.
Read this board and/or contact a legitimate credit service organization if you don't have the time/desire to do it yourself (you can, it's just inordinately time consuming).
No problem. This board is an excellent resource and this is something you can do yourself if you have the time to do it right.
