Summary
The applicant, a 36-year-old shipbuilder with a high school diploma, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to over $27,000 in delinquent debts, primarily related to child support and medical accounts. The applicant admitted to the debts but failed to provide evidence of mitigation or repayment efforts, leading the judge to conclude that the financial issues raised significant concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: A delinquent debt is owed to a state department of social service for child support arrearage in the amount of $14,970 (1.a). A delinquent debt is owed to a creditor that was placed for collections in the approximate amount of $8,042 (1.b). A delinquent debt is owed to a creditor that was charged off in the approximate amount of $2,500 (1.c). A delinquent medical account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $938 (1.d). A delinquent medical account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $368 (1.e). A delinquent debt is owed to a creditor that was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $333 (1.f). A delinquent medical account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $65 (1.g).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling over $27,000; The applicant failed to provide evidence of any efforts to mitigate or repay the debts; The applicant did not disclose the debts on his security clearance application.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling over $27,000.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of any efforts to mitigate or repay the debts.
- The applicant did not disclose the debts on his security clearance application.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
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 issuedAug 2, 2021
- Answer filedSep 9, 2021
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateJan 12, 2022
Cite For
- Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Delinquent Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Mitigation Efforts