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Summary

The applicant, a 59-year-old male with a bachelor's degree and prior military service, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to financial difficulties stemming from a series of personal and economic challenges, including a job transfer, supporting two households, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The judge found that the applicant had taken significant steps to resolve his debts through financial counseling and had successfully mitigated the concerns, leading to a decision to grant his security clearance.

Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Alleged tax debt of approximately $5,000 for tax year 2018 (1.a). Judgment filed in 2020 for a credit-card debt of $19,021 (1.b). Charged-off credit card of $4,931 (1.c). Charged-off debt of $33,598 with a settlement of $16,800 (1.d). Charged-off credit card of $1,215 (1.e). Charged-off account of $25,130 with a settlement of $15,000 (1.f). Charged-off account of $2,333 settled for $1,155 (1.g). Charged-off account of $1,604 resolved through a payment agreement (1.h). Foreclosure on a timeshare with a remaining balance of $56,375 (1.i).

The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), AG ¶ 20(e). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated proactive efforts to resolve his debts, including establishing payment plans and participating in financial counseling; The financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, such as job loss and medical issues; The applicant provided evidence of character and reliability, including letters of support from community members.

Why the Applicant Prevailed

• The applicant demonstrated proactive efforts to resolve his debts, including establishing payment plans and participating in financial counseling.
• The financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, such as job loss and medical issues.
• The applicant provided evidence of character and reliability, including letters of support from community members.

Conditions Referenced

Key Rule Quoted

“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”

Procedural Posture

• SOR issuedJun 29, 2022
• Answer filedSep 14, 2022
• Hearing held—Decided on written record.
• Decision dateOct 16, 2023

Cite For

• Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
• Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Stability
• Importance of Financial Counseling in Security Clearance Cases