Summary
A 59-year-old SharePoint developer with prior military service was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced eight delinquent debts totaling $45,214, which included a past-due mortgage, three student loan collection accounts incurred for her daughter, and several past-due or charged-off credit card and consumer accounts.
The applicant demonstrated significant efforts to resolve these financial issues. She brought her mortgage account current, established a Department of Education rehabilitation loan for the student debts by January 2019, and resolved a past-due credit card account in 2017. Additionally, a lawsuit for a charged-off consumer account was dismissed in 2017, and two other charged-off credit card accounts were paid in full or settled for a lesser amount in 2018.
The administrative judge granted the clearance, noting that all delinquent debts were resolved through financial counseling and timely payments. The applicant's financial difficulties were attributed to circumstances beyond her control, such as a salary cut and unexpected expenses. Her consistent communication with creditors and demonstrated commitment to financial responsibility ultimately led to the favorable outcome.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant resolved all delinquent debts through financial counseling and timely payments.
- The applicant's financial issues were due to circumstances beyond her control, such as a salary cut and unexpected expenses.
- The applicant maintained communication with creditors and demonstrated a commitment to financial responsibility.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Financial Counseling
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 24, 2018
- Answer filedMay 17, 2018Applicant elected to have her case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateMar 8, 2019
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Importance of Financial Counseling in Security Clearance Cases
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond an Applicant's Control in Financial Matters