Summary
A 34-year-old single mother with a minor child was granted a security clearance despite allegations under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons cited over $30,000 in delinquent debts and the applicant's failure to disclose these on her November 2018 security clearance application.
Specific financial concerns included a $15,630 charged-off auto account from a car stolen in 2013, a $7,317 charged-off auto account for another vehicle, and a $4,533 charged-off furniture rental account. Other debts comprised a $724 dental bill, a $544 charged-off credit card, a $488 apartment vacancy cost, a $453 outstanding electric bill, a $709 cable and internet account, and a $417 medical account, all in collection.
The administrative judge found that the applicant made significant efforts to resolve her debts, including enrolling in a credit counseling program and utilizing an inheritance to pay off obligations. Her testimony regarding a misunderstanding of the security clearance application was deemed credible, demonstrating a commitment to financial responsibility. Consequently, the applicant was granted eligibility for access to sensitive information.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a commitment to financial responsibility by resolving multiple delinquent debts.
- She enrolled in a credit counseling program and actively worked to manage her finances.
- The judge found her testimony credible regarding the misunderstanding of her security clearance application.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Occurred Long Ago or Infrequently
- 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
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 2, 2019
- Answer filedNov 8, 2019
- Hearing heldAug 18, 2020rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Decision dateMar 11, 2021
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Credibility of Applicant's Testimony Regarding Personal Conduct
- Application of Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions