Summary
The applicant, a 28-year-old government contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to financial issues, including ten debts totaling approximately $12,161. The applicant successfully demonstrated that all debts had been resolved or satisfied, mitigating the financial concerns. The judge concluded that the applicant's past financial difficulties were largely due to unemployment and that he had acted responsibly to address his debts, resulting in a granted security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor A for a past-due debt totaling about $5,520. This debt has been paid, as evidenced by documentation from Creditor A and from Applicant (1.a). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor B for a past-due debt totaling about $1,089. This debt has been “satisfied in full,” as evidenced by documentation from Creditor B (1.b). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor C for two past-due debts totaling about $560. These debts have been “PAID IN FULL,” as evidenced by documentation from Creditor C (1.c). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor C for two past-due debts totaling about $560. These debts have been “PAID IN FULL,” as evidenced by documentation from Creditor C (1.d). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor E for a past-due debt totaling about $1,491. This debt has been “closed with a $0 balance,” as evidenced by documentation from Creditor E (1.e). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor F for a past-due debt totaling about $341. Applicant is “not too sure” about this debt and has been unable to contact the alleged creditor (1.f). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor G for a past-due debt totaling about $2,457. This debt has been “SETTLED IN FULL,” as evidenced by documentation from Creditor G (1.g). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor H for a past-due debt totaling about $440. Applicant denies this debt averring it “HAS BEEN PAID.” (1.h). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor I for a past-due debt totaling about $167. Applicant has been unable to contact the alleged creditor (1.i). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor J for a past-due debt totaling about $96. Applicant has also been unable to contact the alleged creditor (1.j).
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(d). The decision turned on the following: All alleged debts were resolved or satisfied, demonstrating responsible financial behavior; The applicant's financial issues were largely attributed to periods of unemployment, which are unlikely to recur; The applicant initiated good-faith efforts to repay overdue creditors.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- All alleged debts were resolved or satisfied, demonstrating responsible financial behavior.
- The applicant's financial issues were largely attributed to periods of unemployment, which are unlikely to recur.
- The applicant initiated good-faith efforts to repay overdue creditors.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were largely due to unemployment.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant demonstrated responsible actions to resolve debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 5, 2016
- Answer filedAug 23, 2016
- Hearing heldFeb 22, 2017
- Decision dateMay 24, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F Due to Resolved Debts
- Impact of Unemployment on Financial Considerations
- Good-faith Efforts to Address Financial Obligations