Summary
The applicant, a 37-year-old technician and crew chief for a Department of Defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to significant unpaid debts incurred after losing his job in 2001 and during his family's medical emergencies. He demonstrated responsible financial behavior by paying off smaller debts and establishing payment plans for others, leading to the granting of his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Collection account $ 742 (1.a). Medical bill $ 50 (1.b). Medical bill $ 85 (1.c). Electric bill $ 345 (1.d). Credit card $ 369 (1.e). Collection account $2,235 (1.f). Collection account $6,822 (1.g). Medical bill $ 95 (1.h). Collection account $5,107 (1.i). Medical bill $ 323 (1.j). Medical bill $ 282 (1.k). Medical bill $ 58 (1.l). Medical bill $ 493 (1.m). Medical bill $ 278 (1.n). Collection account $ 81 (1.o). Medical bill $ 34 (1.p). Medical bill $ 108 (1.q). Medical bill $ 274 (1.r). Credit card $ 926 (1.s). Cable bill $ 496 (1.t). Medical bill $ 114 (1.u). Medical bill $ 297 (1.v). Collection account $ 210 (1.w).
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(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant returned to full-time employment after a period of unemployment and has been the sole provider for his family; He has paid many smaller debts and established payment plans on others, which he regularly pays; The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including job loss and family medical issues.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant returned to full-time employment after a period of unemployment and has been the sole provider for his family.
- He has paid many smaller debts and established payment plans on others, which he regularly pays.
- The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including job loss and family medical issues.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 6, 2006
- Answer filedNov 16, 2006
- Hearing heldJun 5, 2007Applicant returned from an overseas work assignment.
- Decision dateJun 30, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Good-faith Efforts to Repay Debts as a Mitigating Factor
- Consideration of Whole-person Factors in Security Clearance Decisions