Summary
A 34-year-old staff assistant was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $23,815. These included a $9,827 vehicle debt, a $3,050 rental apartment debt, a $5,433 charged-off vehicle balance, and a $3,254 charged-off account. Additionally, the applicant had delinquent parking and moving violation tickets, each totaling about $1,000, along with other various delinquent obligations. Several smaller debts were also cited, including one for $335 that was paid, a $770 collection account that was disputed, and a $105 debt that was explained and paid.
The judge applied Disqualifying Conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(b), and AG ¶ 19(c). However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts, including making payments and disputing certain accounts.
The judge found that the applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, specifically a cancer diagnosis and unreliable child support. The applicant also showed significant progress in managing her finances and living within her means. Based on these mitigating factors, the judge concluded that granting the security clearance was consistent with national interest.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including a cancer diagnosis and unreliable child support.
- The applicant has made significant strides in managing her finances and living within her means.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Inability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate determination of whether to grant eligibility for a security clearance must be an overall commonsense judgment based on careful consideration of the guidelines and the whole-person concept.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 15, 2017
- Answer filedDec 29, 2017
- Hearing heldAug 24, 2018
- Decision dateAug 29, 2019
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations