Summary
A 25-year-old maintenance clerk and former U.S. Marine was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant faced allegations of multiple delinquent debts and the misuse of a government travel card for personal expenses.
Specific financial concerns included a credit card account placed for collection totaling $12,246, a personal loan of $9,253, and an apartment damage claim of $2,087. Additional debts comprised a cellphone bill of $1,230, a past-due credit union line of credit for $1,613, a delinquent cable television account of $422, and a utility bill of $326. These issues raised disqualifying conditions related to financial irresponsibility.
Although the applicant admitted to the allegations, insufficient evidence was provided to mitigate the concerns. The applicant did not demonstrate participation in financial counseling or concrete efforts to resolve most of the outstanding debts. Consequently, the applicant's financial issues led to concerns about reliability and trustworthiness, resulting in the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts and misuse of a government travel card.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling or efforts to resolve most debts.
- The applicant's financial issues raised concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(d)appliedDeceptive or Illegal Financial Practices
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's delinquent debts are numerous and recent.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond ControlWhile some conditions were beyond control, the applicant did not act responsibly.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Financial CounselingThe applicant submitted no evidence of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsEstablished for some debts, but not for all.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedDispute Legitimacy of DebtsThe applicant did not dispute any 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 issuedJun 16, 2023
- Answer filedJul 3, 2023
- Hearing held—Decision made on the written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateJan 26, 2024
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Delinquent Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Providing Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns in Clearance Cases