Summary
Darlene D. Anderson, a 39-year-old divorced mother of four, was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The denial stemmed from twelve delinquent debts totaling approximately $37,000, which she attributed primarily to her divorce and subsequent financial difficulties.
The Statement of Reasons detailed ten unpaid delinquent debts, including seven charged-off accounts ranging from approximately $1,131 to $21,772, and three collection accounts ranging from approximately $105 to $876, for which no documentation of payments or payoff was provided. Additionally, she failed to pay her 2014 Federal taxes, despite claiming a payment plan was in place. Two other collection accounts, for approximately $269 and $174, were found to be paid in full with supporting documentation.
Despite some improvements in her credit score, the judge found insufficient evidence of responsible action to resolve the outstanding debts. The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to address her financial issues, and there was no clear indication that her financial problems were being resolved or were under control. Consequently, her security clearance application was DENIED.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has not paid her delinquent debts totaling approximately $37,000.
- Applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve her financial issues.
- The judge found no clear indication that Applicant's financial problems are being resolved or are under control.
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 ¶ 19(e)raisedConsistent Spending Beyond One's Means
- AG ¶ 19(f)raisedFailure to File or Pay Taxes
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond ControlWhile the applicant's financial issues stemmed from her divorce and unemployment, the judge found insufficient evidence of responsible action to mitigate the concerns.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedFinancial CounselingThe applicant did not provide evidence of effective financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant ignored most debts and allowed them to be charged off.
- AG ¶ 20(g)rejectedArrangements with Tax AuthorityThe applicant did not provide documentation to support her claims regarding tax payments.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 13, 2017
- Answer filedApr 3, 2017Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateDec 7, 2017
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Personal Circumstances in Financial Evaluations