Summary
A 48-year-old psychiatric technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to 23 delinquent debts totaling over $20,000. These debts included credit card balances, medical bills, a car note for her daughter, education loans, and utility accounts.
Specific concerns included a $4,518 charged-off account, which the applicant settled for $3,800 but failed to provide payment receipts. While one $300 account was paid and evidenced by receipts, the overall pattern showed an inability to satisfy debts and a lack of consistent effort to manage them.
The applicant did not present a budget, a repayment plan, or evidence of financial counseling. Consequently, the administrative judge determined that the applicant did not meet the burden of proof to mitigate the financial concerns, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to 23 delinquent debts totaling over $20,000, demonstrating an inability to satisfy debts (AG ¶ 19(a)).
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation or a meaningful track record of repayments to mitigate financial concerns (AG ¶ 20).
- The applicant did not receive financial counseling or present a budget or plan for her debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA 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 issuedDec 1, 2021
- Answer filed—Applicant elected to have her case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision based on documentary evidence.
- Decision dateOct 14, 2022
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Importance of Providing Documentation to Mitigate Financial Concerns