Summary
A 44-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to approximately $32,000 in unresolved delinquent debts. The judge determined that the applicant failed to demonstrate control over her financial situation or provide evidence of efforts to mitigate these debts, raising concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
The Statement of Reasons detailed multiple outstanding debts. These included several smaller past-due amounts ranging from $18 to $495, with the applicant often stating they were either paid or removed from her credit report due to age, but without providing further resolution. A medical bill from 2011 for $199 was also unresolved, which the applicant attributed to a layoff and presumed insurance coverage.
Larger debts included a $12,997 past-due amount, which was duplicated in two allegations, and an $8,686 debt for a repossessed automobile, which the applicant linked to unemployment. Another repossessed automobile resulted in an $8,020 past-due debt. Additionally, a $1,554 debt to a telephone provider and a $115 medical debt were unresolved, with the applicant indicating plans to set up payment arrangements for these. The denial was based on the applicant's failure to repay or resolve the $32,000 in delinquent debts and her inability to provide evidence of financial counseling or a concrete plan to address her financial difficulties.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant owes approximately $32,000 in delinquent debts that she has not repaid or resolved.
- Applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling or a plan to address her debts.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that her financial difficulties are under control.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory 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 issuedApr 28, 2016
- Answer filedJun 1, 2016Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held; case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateOct 20, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Failure to Demonstrate Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Lack of Evidence for Mitigating Financial Concerns