Summary
A 35-year-old medically retired Navy veteran, working as a systems technician, was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant faced allegations concerning approximately $28,700 in delinquent debts, including four accounts that were either charged off or in collection, totaling $8,685, $4,653, $192, and $13,049 respectively. Additionally, a wage garnishment for child support and arrears was noted.
Disqualifying conditions related to financial issues were raised, while several mitigating conditions were considered. However, the applicant admitted to the multiple delinquent debts and, despite hiring a credit repair company, failed to provide sufficient evidence of good-faith efforts to repay or resolve these financial issues.
Ultimately, the security clearance was denied because the applicant's financial problems raised significant concerns regarding his reliability, trustworthiness, and judgment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $28,700.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of good-faith efforts to repay his debts or resolve his financial issues.
- The applicant's financial problems raised concerns about his reliability, trustworthiness, and judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's delinquent debts are numerous and ongoing.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not establish he acted responsibly under the circumstances.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceiving Financial CounselingThe applicant's financial problems are not under control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant failed to establish a meaningful track record towards resolving his delinquent debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute DebtsThe applicant did not present independent evidence supporting a reasonable basis to dispute any delinquent debts.
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, 2022
- Answer filedJan 17, 2023
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateJun 29, 2023
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Debt Resolution Efforts
- Impact of Financial Issues on Security Clearance Eligibility