Summary
The applicant, a 40-year-old married mother of four with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, sought a public trust position but was denied due to significant financial issues, including over $65,000 in delinquent debts. The judge found the applicant's financial management inadequate and determined that her ongoing financial distress raised serious trustworthiness concerns under Guideline F.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant is indebted to the Government for a student loan that was charged off in the approximate amount of $28,043 (1.a). Applicant is indebted to the Government for a student loan that was charged off in the approximate amount of $13,167 (1.b). Applicant is indebted to a utility company for an account that was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $245 (1.c). Applicant is indebted to an automotive lender for an account that was charged off in the approximate amount of $24,014 (1.d). Applicant is indebted to an insurance company for an account that was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $103 (1.e).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has multiple delinquent debts totaling over $65,000, indicating financial irresponsibility; The applicant failed to provide evidence of efforts to resolve her debts or to demonstrate financial stability; The applicant's financial issues were not mitigated by circumstances beyond her control, as she did not show a good-faith effort to repay her debts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has multiple delinquent debts totaling over $65,000, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of efforts to resolve her debts or to demonstrate financial stability.
- The applicant's financial issues were not mitigated by circumstances beyond her control, as she did not show a good-faith effort to repay her debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 17, 2019
- Answer filedAug 15, 2019Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateNov 18, 2019
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Issues
- Trustworthiness Concerns Due to Financial Distress