Summary
A 41-year-old U.S. citizen, employed as an emergency operator, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed numerous outstanding debts, including a $323 cable bill from 2004, an unspecified cable debt from 2005, and three separate $53 debts from 2002 that remained unpaid.
Additional debts included two medical bills for $179 and $311, a credit card debt of $1,622, and child support arrears totaling $923 and $1,674. The applicant also had a $24 charged-off account from 2003, student loans of $2,751 and $4,293 turned over to collections in 2005, and debts to another creditor for $147 and $1,916. Further, a $222 debt from 2005 was acknowledged but not part of his current payment plan, and medical debts of $208, $154, and $88 from 2002 and 2005 were also noted.
The security clearance was granted because the applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues. He initiated a debt consolidation plan, maintained stable employment, and exhibited prudent financial management. These proactive steps were found to mitigate the financial concerns, leading to the favorable outcome.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant initiated a good-faith effort to resolve his debts through a debt consolidation plan.
- He demonstrated stable employment and prudent financial management.
- The applicant's proactive steps to address his financial issues mitigated the security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- E2.A6.1.3.4rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant sought advice from his pastor and a debt consolidator but did not seek formal financial counseling.
Key Rule Quoted
“The responsibility for producing evidence initially falls on the Government to demonstrate that it is not clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue Applicant’s access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 31, 2006
- Answer filedOct 18, 2006Applicant admitted all allegations with explanation.
- Hearing heldFeb 6, 2007Hearing conducted in a city near the applicant's workplace.
- Decision dateMay 31, 2007
Cite For
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Through Stable Employment and Prudent Living
- Consideration of Whole Person Factors in Security Clearance Decisions