Summary
The applicant, a 26-year-old private first class in the National Guard, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to financial delinquencies primarily stemming from medical debts. The judge found that the applicant's financial issues were largely beyond her control and noted her good-faith efforts to resolve her debts while working multiple jobs. Ultimately, the applicant was granted eligibility for a security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Many of Applicant’s delinquencies are medical debts, including SOR ¶¶ 1.a ($1,787) (1.a). Many of Applicant’s delinquencies are medical debts, including SOR ¶¶ 1.b ($1,613) (1.b). Many of Applicant’s delinquencies are medical debts, including SOR ¶¶ 1.c ($1,261) (1.c). Many of Applicant’s delinquencies are medical debts, including SOR ¶¶ 1.d ($988) (1.d). Applicant also has several debts in collection to phone and cable companies, including SOR ¶¶ 1.e ($585) (1.e). Applicant also has several debts in collection to phone and cable companies, including SOR ¶¶ 1.f ($396) (1.f). SOR ¶ 1.g, for $313, a debt to a credit card company, is paid and resolved (1.g). Many of Applicant’s delinquencies are medical debts, including SOR ¶¶ 1.h ($107) (1.h). SOR ¶ 1.i is a $661 past-due debt to a recent landlord (1.i). Applicant also has several debts in collection to phone and cable companies, including SOR ¶¶ 1.j ($260) (1.j). Applicant also has several debts in collection to phone and cable companies, including SOR ¶¶ 1.k ($136) (1.k).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant's financial delinquencies were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including medical issues and lack of financial education; She is actively working three jobs to pay off her debts and has made payments towards her medical debts; The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve her financial obligations.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial delinquencies were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including medical issues and lack of financial education.
- She is actively working three jobs to pay off her debts and has made payments towards her medical debts.
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve her financial obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Beyond Control
- 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 issuedSep 8, 2017
- Answer filedSep 26, 2017
- Hearing heldApr 24, 2018
- Decision dateJun 26, 2018
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts While Maintaining Employment
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations