Summary
A 38-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to over $39,000 in delinquent debts. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) alleged that the applicant's financial decisions indicated poor self-control, lack of judgment, and an unwillingness to abide by rules, raising questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Specifically, the applicant had delinquent debts exceeding $39,000, including child support arrears totaling $16,928 and $10,342. Additional debts owed to creditors placed in collection amounted to $2,599, $909, $179, $6,757, $431, $300, $300, $250, $100, $55, and $55. The SOR noted that the applicant failed to provide documentation on the current status of any debts, had not resolved any listed delinquent debts, and had taken no action to resolve them since receiving the SOR.
The denial was based on the applicant's history of not addressing financial obligations and his failure to provide evidence of resolving debts or acting responsibly. This inaction raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has over $39,000 in delinquent debts, demonstrating a history of not addressing financial obligations.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of resolving debts or acting responsibly regarding financial obligations.
- The applicant's inaction regarding his debts raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debt Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant did not demonstrate responsible actions to address his financial issues.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure to live within one's means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified or sensitive information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 25, 2018
- Answer filedJun 24, 2018
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateJan 11, 2019
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Financial Behavior as a Basis for Security Clearance Denial
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Reliability and Trustworthiness Assessments