Summary
A 39-year-old software engineer was denied a security clearance primarily due to unresolved child support arrearages exceeding $71,000, falling under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons specifically cited this debt to State A and a separate, since-resolved collection account for an apartment lease.
Disqualifying conditions related to financial irresponsibility were raised, including a history of not meeting financial obligations, an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts, and a pattern of financial difficulties. While mitigating conditions such as the debt not being recent and the applicant having initiated a good-faith effort to resolve some financial issues were considered, they were ultimately not sufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's long-standing awareness of the child support debt (at least 10 years) and his failure to take substantive action to address it despite being employed. This inaction raised significant concerns about his reliability and judgment, leading the administrative judge to conclude that the security concerns were not mitigated.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved child support arrearages exceeding $71,000 that he has been aware of for at least 10 years.
- The applicant failed to take substantive action to address the child support debt despite being employed.
- The applicant's failure to understand the importance of resolving his obligation raises doubts about his reliability and judgment.
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(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's child support arrearages have been ongoing for at least 10 years.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some circumstances were beyond his control, the applicant did not act responsibly when he regained employment.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant has not made any arrangements to pay the arrearages despite being aware of them.
Key Rule Quoted
“Intentions to pay debts in the future are not a substitute for a track record of responsible actions.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 20, 2019
- Answer filedJul 29, 2019
- Hearing heldJan 15, 2020
- Decision dateFeb 20, 2020
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Significant Child Support Arrearages as a Disqualifying Factor
- Importance of a Track Record of Responsible Actions in Financial Matters