Summary
The applicant, a 46-year-old married woman with six children, faced security clearance denial under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to over $25,000 in unresolved consumer and medical debt. Although she did not intentionally fail to disclose her debts on her e-QIP, the judge found that her financial issues raised significant security concerns that were not mitigated.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant failed to disclose her delinquent judgments and collection accounts in Section 26 of her e-QIP (2.a). Applicant did not provide full, frank, and truthful answers to lawful questions of investigators regarding her financial delinquencies (2.b). Applicant was indebted on a judgment filed against her in March 2012 in the amount of $2,582 (1.a). Applicant was indebted on a judgment filed against her in March 2011 in the amount of $13,016 (1.b). Applicant was indebted on a charged-off auto loan in the amount of $11,288 (1.c). Applicant was indebted on a collection account in the amount of $6,835 (1.d). Applicant was indebted on a medical debt in the amount of $63 (1.k). Applicant was indebted on a medical debt in the amount of $129 (1.l).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.1.a, F.1.b, F.1.c. The decision turned on the following: Applicant owes more than $25,000 in unresolved consumer and medical debt; She did not document any financial counseling or provide budget information to predict future solvency; The judge found significant doubt regarding her judgment and suitability for a security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant owes more than $25,000 in unresolved consumer and medical debt.
- She did not document any financial counseling or provide budget information to predict future solvency.
- The judge found significant doubt regarding her judgment and suitability for a security clearance.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.braisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- F.1.craisedHistory 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 issuedOct 5, 2016
- Answer filedOct 24, 2016
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateOct 20, 2017
Cite For
- Security Concerns Related to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in Relation to Financial Disclosures
- Impact of Financial Distress on National Security Eligibility Decisions