Summary
The applicant, a 48-year-old sheet metal mechanic, faced financial concerns under Guideline F due to debts incurred from family funerals and periods of unemployment. He demonstrated significant efforts to resolve these debts through a debt consolidation plan and positive character references. The administrative judge granted the security clearance, emphasizing the applicant's commitment to financial responsibility and the mitigating circumstances surrounding his financial difficulties.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Charged-off credit card account for iPhone promotion in the amount of $3,602. This debt is enrolled with the DCC and will be settled and/or paid as funds become available (1.a). Charged-off credit card account in the amount of $10,929. This creditor obtained a judgment against Applicant. Applicant retained the services of LF to resolve this debt (1.b). Charged-off credit card account in the amount of $12,661. Applicant used this credit card to pay for his parents’ funeral. This debt is enrolled with the DCC and will be settled and/or paid as funds become available (1.c). Collection consolidation loan in the amount of $10,949. This is the consolidation loan referred to above. Applicant retained the services of LF to resolve this debt (1.d). Collection medical account in the amount of $366. Applicant submitted documentation that he paid this debt on September 16, 2022 (1.e). Collection credit card account in the amount of $11,620. This debt is enrolled with the DCC, who settled this account for the lesser amount of $8,620, and is being paid in installments by the DCC (1.f). Charged-off credit card account in the amount of $9,677. Applicant retained the services of LF to resolve this debt (1.g). Charged-off credit card account in the amount of $3,264. Applicant submitted documentation that this account was settled in full on July 16, 2021 (1.h). Collection credit card account in the amount of $7,941. Applicant retained the services of LF to resolve this debt (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). The decision turned on the following: The applicant established a debt consolidation plan and made timely payments to resolve debts; He provided evidence of positive character through reference letters from supervisors and co-workers; The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including family deaths and unemployment.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant established a debt consolidation plan and made timely payments to resolve debts.
- He provided evidence of positive character through reference letters from supervisors and co-workers.
- The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including family deaths and unemployment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Financial Counseling
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 24, 2022
- Answer filedSep 1, 2022
- Hearing heldDec 9, 2022
- Decision dateJan 5, 2023
Cite For
- Mitigating Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating a Plan to Resolve Debts
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond the Applicant's Control in Financial Cases