Summary
This case concerns a 42-year-old disabled U.S. military veteran whose security clearance was initially questioned under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to several delinquent debts. The Statement of Reasons cited a $1,200 debt for child support arrears, a $1,500 default judgment from a former landlord, and a separate $2,000 default judgment from another former landlord. Additionally, a $600 delinquent debt belonging to his wife was noted. These issues raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines Paragraphs 19(a) and 19(c).
However, the applicant demonstrated substantial mitigating factors. He provided documentary evidence of consistent child support payments for over two years, indicating a sustained effort to meet this obligation. Furthermore, he resolved the debts that resulted in default judgments, which had occurred while he was deployed in a combat zone.
The applicant also showed a good-faith effort to manage his financial responsibilities, including seeking and receiving financial counseling. Based on these demonstrated efforts to resolve his debts and manage his finances responsibly, the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided documentary proof of consistent child support payments for over two years.
- He resolved debts that led to default judgments while deployed in a combat zone.
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to manage his financial obligations and received financial counseling.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual's Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control and the Individual Acted Responsibly Under the Circumstances
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Individual Has Received or Is Receiving Financial Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance adjudication is not meant to punish a person for past poor financial decisions.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 2, 2017
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldJan 18, 2018mutually agreed date
- Decision dateMay 1, 2018
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Past Financial Decisions on Current Eligibility for Security Clearance