Summary
A 40-year-old married Electronics Technician with two children was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons cited three past-due debts: a Discover Card debt, originally $9,154.00 and reduced to $8,517.84 as of August 25, 2007; a Bank of America debt, originally $10,694.00 and reduced to $9,920.53 as of August 25, 2007; and a Chevron debt, originally $286.00, which was paid in full by April 9, 2007.
Disqualifying conditions 19.a and 19.c were raised, but mitigating conditions 20.a, 20.c, and 20.d were applied. The Administrative Judge determined that the Applicant successfully mitigated the financial concerns.
The decision to grant the clearance was based on several factors. The Applicant demonstrated a commitment to resolving his financial issues by engaging with a consumer credit counseling service and making significant progress in paying down his debts, including fully resolving one. Furthermore, his financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond his immediate control, specifically his wife's decision to stay home with their children.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The Applicant demonstrated a commitment to resolving his financial issues by working with a consumer credit counseling service.
- He has made significant progress in paying down his debts, including paying off one debt entirely.
- The Applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including his wife's decision to stay home with their children.
Conditions referenced
- 19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- 19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- 20.aappliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness or Good Judgment
- 20.cappliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- 20.dappliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key rule quoted
“The Government has met its initial burden of proving by substantial evidence that the Applicant has past due debts, one of which he has paid off, and the other two are being paid off.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMar 15, 2007
- Answer filed—Applicant responded in writing on an unknown date.
- Hearing heldAug 30, 2007Hearing included testimony from the Applicant and two witnesses.
- Decision dateSep 19, 2007
Cite for
- Mitigation of Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Responsibility