Civilian Furloughs and Security Clearances

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy civilian employees should already be planning for financial hardships associated with furloughs which may be required if sequestration continues. One of the things to consider is your security clearance. Below are some things to consider and some FAQs related to security clearances, furloughs, and indebtedness.


ADJUDICATIONS - FURLOUGH TALKING POINTS

* A furlough could create financial strain or hardship for federal employees. Those holding a security clearance face the same financial strains as other federal employees.
* The Federal Adjudicative Guidelines consider the circumstances that led to a financial problem as well as the individual's actions to responsibly contend with financial problems.
* The personnel security adjudicators who are responsible for granting or denying security clearances are sensitized to and also personally impacted by a furlough.
* Employees who encounter financial problems due to a furlough should (1) work with their creditors to maintain their debts in a responsible manner; (2) keep documentation of their financial situation and communications with creditors; and (3) keep their local security office informed if they are experiencing financial problems.
* Employees should make use of their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as needed during these stressful times

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. If being furloughed contributes to financial hardship, how will the DoD Adjudicators assess my clearance eligibility?

A: A furlough is a circumstance that is beyond your control. The Federal Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information specify that the adjudicative process is the careful weighing of a number of variables known as the whole person concept. Mitigating factors include: The conditions that resulted in the concern were largely beyond the person's control and the individual acted responsibly under the circumstances.

2. The Federal Adjudicative Guidelines reference an individual acting responsibly when faced with financial problems. If being furloughed contributes to financial hardship, what actions should I take to demonstrate I am handling my situation responsibly?

A: Each individual's financial circumstances are unique, so no one course of action will suit everyone's particular needs. When assessing the seriousness of financial issues, the cause of the debts and actions taken (or not taken) to pay debts and habits and trends tell far more about a person's reliability, trustworthiness and judgment than the amount of debt. Individual's should continue to pay their debts to the best of their ability and should maintain contact with their creditors to make arrangements to pay their debts, even if this means delaying or reducing payments. Many creditors are willing to work with their customers in such situations. You should also keep clear, written documentation of your financial situation, payments made, and communications with your creditors so that you can provide this information if needed in assessing your clearance. Additionally, you should keep your security office informed if you are experiencing or beginning to experience financial problems.

3. I understand the need to work with my creditors, document my situation, and keep my security office informed, but what else should I be doing to protect my security clearance?

A: Candidates for security clearance are evaluated to assess judgment, reliability, trustworthiness, and being an overall good security risk. If you consistently act in ways that reflect your good judgment your security clearance should not be at risk. In addition to the actions listed above, you should ensure that any financial problems do not adversely impact other areas of your life. Financial hardships can be very stressful and lead to a person making bad decisions in other areas. If you start to encounter financial problems, credit counseling may be a useful tool; the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (http://www.nfcc.org/) is a nonprofit organization offering help for individuals experiencing financial problems. Your local Employee Assistance Program may also offer some assistance regarding financial problems or stress management workshops, among other services.

4. What kinds of financial hardships should be reported if they occur?

A: You should notify your security officer or supervisor in writing if, because of furlough, you: (1) face bankruptcy, (2) are unable to pay Federal, state or other taxes required by law or ordinance, (3) require credit counseling, (4) become delinquent on alimony or child support payments, (5) have a judgment entered against you for failure to meet financial obligations, (6) have liens placed against you, (7) become delinquent on a Federal debt, (8) have possessions or property repossessed, (9) default on loans, (10) have accounts turned over to a collection agency, (11) have credit accounts suspended, charged off, or cancelled for failure to pay as agreed, (12) are evicted for non-payment, (13) have wages garnished in order to satisfy a financial obligation, or (14) become over 120 days delinquent on a debt. Providing notification demonstrates responsibility which can mitigate any security concerns about the debts themselves.