Summary
A 54-year-old IT Specialist was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to significant financial delinquencies exceeding $75,000. The Statement of Reasons detailed eleven specific delinquent debts, including a student loan of approximately $65,441, a credit card debt of about $3,479, and various other charged-off or collection debts owed to banks, creditors, and for medical and cellular services. These debts ranged from approximately $33 to $2,066.
The administrative judge identified disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(b), and AG ¶ 19(c). While the applicant cited job loss and medical issues as the primary causes for her financial difficulties, and some efforts were made to address the debts, these were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b) and AG ¶ 20(d) but ultimately found that the applicant failed to establish a systematic pattern of payment demonstrating a clear ability and willingness to resolve her delinquent debts. The judge concluded that the financial problems raised significant concerns regarding the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple financial delinquencies totaling over $75,000.
- The judge found that the applicant's financial problems raised significant concerns regarding reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant failed to establish a systematic pattern of payment demonstrating that she can and will resolve her delinquent debts.
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 Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe judge found that the applicant's financial problems were not sufficiently mitigated by her circumstances.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe judge determined that the applicant did not demonstrate a consistent pattern of repayment.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 6, 2018
- Answer filedJul 18, 2018
- Hearing heldNov 27, 2018
- Decision dateFeb 4, 2019
Cite For
- Financial Delinquencies as a Basis for Security Clearance Denial
- Insufficient Evidence of Responsible Financial Management
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations