Newbie CH13 Question

[zeezee]

Hello all, been lurking now I have a question.
A little back ground...retained atty 5/8/09, retired military, disabled vet and employed by fed gov now, annual salary (combined w/ret pay, disability and salary) is $108k.

Have a 1st ($335k), 2nd ($98K), school loans ($39k), car loans (2) one is my 21 year old son's ($33k both) and unsecured cc's about ($87k).

My only real concern is this, I have a personal citi card that I will be including in my 13. My govt travel card is issued by citi and I hold a secret clearance. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience in this area or knows if 1) filing will affect my clearance and 2) will citi notify my activity of me filing?

Any answers are appreciated!

[Flamingo]

My husband had high security clearance previously as he did onsite work at a high security government location when he was doing contract work. He was not working at that job when we filed Chapter 13. His security clearance was going to expire and he wanted to renew it to keep it in force in case he needed it for possible future work. He could not renew it due to the BK. I believe there is a clause in your paperwork that states if you file bankruptcy while having the clearance you have to give notification of filing. Also if your government travel card is linked to your SS number and you list Citibank as a creditor in your filing, you can bet your government travel credit card will be closed. I'm sorry I don't have anything positive to say because I am pretty sure filing BK will put your clearance situation in jeopardy. I would contact whoever is over you where you work so you can be fully informed as to the terms of your employment with your clearance in case you do have to inform them you will be filing BK. Best of luck to you.

[zeezee]

Thanks for that answer Flamingo. That doesn't sound good for me but I have to do what I have to do.

[luckylou22]

Impact of C13 on Company issued AMEx Travel Card

That is an interesting circumstance, while the security clearance issue does not apply to me, I do have an AmEx that my company issued to me for Biz travel. When I pulled my Credit Reports, it was not on any of them. WOuld that be an indication that this employer issued card would not be impacted in a C13 filing or arrangement. This card is usually paid in full within 4 weeks of use after biz travel with reimbursed company funds.

Thanks,
Lou22

[Flamingo]

That is an interesting circumstance, while the security clearance issue does not apply to me, I do have an AmEx that my company issued to me for Biz travel. When I pulled my Credit Reports, it was not on any of them. WOuld that be an indication that this employer issued card would not be impacted in a C13 filing or arrangement. This card is usually paid in full within 4 weeks of use after biz travel with reimbursed company funds.

Thanks,
Lou22

It's quite possible that your company is guaranteeing that card for you and your SS is not involved at all. Did you have to fill out an employer required form for a company AMEX? If not, it's under the company, not you. Your HR Dept. can tell you for sure.

[zeezee]

Spoke to my supervisor and Security Officer today and let them know I was getting ready to file a CH13 and needed to know if it was going to effect my clearance and he said NO! I'm so happy right now!!!!

[beam14]

I filed chapter 13 2 years ago and had to have it dismissed recently and just refiled to add my wife. I am in the military with a TS clearance. I spoke with my SSO 2 years ago and he said as long as you are open and honest you should be okay. If everyone knows you are claiming BK and it makes your financial situation better then the Govt can trust you more not to disclose info for money or be able to be blackmailed. It is a trust issue and though mistakes were made you are owning up and doing the responsible thing. As for the Govt Card. when I claimed 2 years ago I had a BofA Govt card I kept and never had a problem. This time with Citi I am not sure but I filed a month ago and it is still active. I will keep you posted.

[zeezee]

Thanks Beam14! Although mines is only Secret, my security officer said because the financial hardship really stemmed from my husbands death, not from mismanagement, that all I would have to do is disclose the reason for filing. And even then, that's only if they should question it.
I haven't done much traveling to even use the citi card yet but I'm pretty sure the time will come within the next 5 or 6 years!