DoD Wants Your Deep Dive: 5-Minute Forms for Secrets Clearance
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Defense is asking for approval to collect new info using special forms that let them check financial and health records during background checks. This affects about 3,500 people and helps keep government jobs and secrets safe. You’ve got until January 15, 2026, to share your thoughts, and filling out the form takes just 5 minutes!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New financial-record consent form
If you are subject to a Department of Defense background investigation, you may be asked to sign form DCSA 343 to allow investigators access to financial records protected by the Right to Financial Privacy Act. The DoD expects 3,563 respondents, the form takes about 5 minutes to complete (total annual burden 297 hours), and the collection is voluntary. The financial information will be used to decide eligibility for federal employment, contracts, access to government facilities/systems, or access to classified information.
New behavioral-health consent form
If you are subject to a Department of Defense background investigation, you may be asked to sign form DCSA 344 to allow investigators access to behavioral health and related medical records protected by HIPAA. The DoD expects 3,563 respondents, the form takes about 5 minutes to complete (total annual burden 297 hours), and the collection is voluntary. The medical information will be used to determine fitness for federal employment, sensitive positions, or access to classified information when there is evidence of impairment or substance-related treatment.
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Key Dates
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