Summary
A 46-year-old former U.S. Navy member was denied security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F, specifically concerning over $54,346 in delinquent debts. The Statement of Reasons detailed eleven separate past-due accounts, including two charged-off accounts from the same lender for $14,309 and $13,390, respectively. Other significant charged-off debts included $9,483, $7,754, and $5,194. Additionally, several smaller accounts, including a medical bill and a communications account, were placed for collection, ranging from $75 to $857.
The judge found that the applicant admitted to these multiple delinquent debts. While disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, the judge also considered mitigating conditions. However, the applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation to substantiate claims of debt resolution or payments made.
Ultimately, the applicant's inability to provide evidence of addressing these financial obligations led to the conclusion that the security concerns related to financial irresponsibility, reliability, and trustworthiness were not mitigated. Consequently, eligibility for access to classified information was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling over $54,346.
- The applicant did not provide documentation to support claims of debt resolution or payments made.
- The applicant's financial irresponsibility raised concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Occurred so Long Ago or Infrequently That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedIndividual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant failed to provide evidence that debts were paid or otherwise being resolved.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedIndividual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant did not provide documentation to substantiate any disputes.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 1, 2020
- Answer filedJan 4, 2021
- Hearing held—Decision made on the written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateMar 13, 2023
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Debt Resolution as a Basis for Denial
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions.