Summary
The applicant, a 57-year-old cyber-security specialist and Air Force veteran, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to five delinquent debts totaling $27,421. He demonstrated significant progress in resolving these debts, including establishing payment plans and settling other debts. The judge found that the applicant's financial issues were mitigated, leading to a decision to grant his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: SOR ¶ 1.a alleges an education account owed to a creditor and placed for collection for $9,669. Applicant made 15 payments of $517 for total payments of $7,755. In September 2017, he paid $1,035 to the creditor. After his student loans were rehabilitated, his monthly payment was reduced to $250. The current balance on the two student loans is $15,678. The two student loans are current (1.a). SOR ¶ 1.b alleges an education account owed to a creditor and placed for collection for $9,668. Applicant made 15 payments of $517 for total payments of $7,755. In September 2017, he paid $1,035 to the creditor. After his student loans were rehabilitated, his monthly payment was reduced to $250. The current balance on the two student loans is $15,678. The two student loans are current (1.b). SOR ¶ 1.c alleges a charged-off bank debt for $7,850. In June 2017, Applicant paid $4,710 and resolved this debt (1.c). SOR ¶ 1.d alleges a medical debt placed for collection for $153. Applicant was unaware the debt was delinquent. In June 2017, Applicant paid the debt (1.d). SOR ¶ 1.e alleges a medical debt placed for collection for $81. Applicant was unaware the debt was delinquent. In June 2017, Applicant paid the debt (1.e).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant settled or paid three of the five delinquent debts; He established payment plans for the remaining debts and made consistent payments; The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant settled or paid three of the five delinquent debts.
- He established payment plans for the remaining debts and made consistent payments.
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues.
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
- 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
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 2, 2017
- Answer filedJun 23, 2017
- Hearing heldNov 30, 2017
- Decision dateJan 12, 2018
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Whole-person Analysis in Security Clearance Determinations