Summary
The applicant, a 35-year-old defense contractor employee, faced security concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to six delinquent debts totaling approximately $60,000, primarily from student loans and medical accounts. The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve her financial issues, including rehabilitating her student loans and maintaining a steady income, leading to a decision to grant her security clearance.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant facts from any personnel security questionnaire, personal history statement, or similar form used to conduct investigations, determine employment qualifications, award benefits or status, determine security clearance eligibility or trustworthiness, or award fiduciary responsibilities (2.a). Applicant defaulted on her student loans after the period of deferment due to the financial help she was providing for her ill mother who has a myriad of health issues (1.a). A cable account in collection for $909 (1.b). A collection account in the amount of $522 was settled for $313 (1.c). A medical account for $437, Applicant disputes the amount (1.d). A credit account in the amount of $272 for overdraft fees has been paid (1.e). An account for $173 for overdraft fees has been paid (1.f).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(b), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant provided credible explanations for her financial difficulties, primarily related to supporting her ill mother; She rehabilitated her student loans and is now current on payments, demonstrating responsible financial management; The applicant's financial issues were largely beyond her control, and she has taken steps to resolve her debts.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant provided credible explanations for her financial difficulties, primarily related to supporting her ill mother.
- She rehabilitated her student loans and is now current on payments, demonstrating responsible financial management.
- The applicant's financial issues were largely beyond her control, and she has taken steps to resolve her debts.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceiving Counseling for Financial Problems
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJan 27, 2017
- Answer filed—Timely response by applicant.
- Hearing heldNov 30, 2017Applicant testified pro se.
- Decision dateJan 9, 2018
Cite for
- Mitigating Conditions for Financial Considerations Under AG ¶ 20
- Considerations for Personal Conduct Under AG ¶ 15
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations