Summary
A 27-year-old full-time college student was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to unresolved debts totaling approximately $23,146. The applicant admitted to all allegations concerning fourteen separate debts, which included both charged-off and past-due accounts.
Specific debts ranged from $171 to $6,409. For most of these, the applicant had made no recent payments and stated no plans to do so. In two instances, he had attempted to resolve a debt by making one payment but was unable to continue.
The judge concluded that the applicant's financial difficulties raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. Despite admitting the debts, he provided no effective mitigation evidence, such as a good-faith effort to resolve the debts or participation in financial counseling. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to owing approximately $23,146 in past-due or charged-off debts.
- He provided no evidence of a good-faith effort to resolve his debts or any financial counseling received.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified or sensitive information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 28, 2025
- Answer filedApr 2, 2025
- Hearing heldSep 25, 2025
- Decision dateFeb 25, 2026
Cite For
- Denial Based on Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Lack of Effective Mitigation Evidence for Financial Difficulties
- Impact of Financial Distress on Reliability and Trustworthiness