Summary
A 30-year-old Navy veteran and electrician was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations regarding 30 delinquent debts totaling approximately $24,000. These included a judgment for apartment-related charges of about $3,700, medical debts of approximately $4,500, a car repossession debt for $12,573, and other consumer debts and loans totaling around $2,500.
The applicant demonstrated significant efforts to resolve these issues. She paid two apartment-related judgments and is in ongoing negotiations for two others. The car repossession debt was settled for $5,000, and a payment plan was negotiated for one loan debt. Additionally, payment plans are in place for medical debts and a utility debt. One loan debt's creditor could not be located, and the status of an insurance debt remains unknown.
The judge determined that the financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, specifically caring for children left in her care by a partner. The applicant showed a good-faith effort to repay creditors, made substantial progress in addressing her debts, and presented a viable plan for resolving the remaining obligations, leading to the decision to grant the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts.
- The financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, such as caring for children left in her care by a partner.
- The applicant has made significant progress in paying off debts and has a viable plan to continue addressing remaining debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness 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(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problems 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 Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 16, 2014
- Answer filednullUndated response admitting to delinquent debts.
- Hearing heldApr 15, 2015Hearing convened as scheduled.
- Decision dateMay 22, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Delinquent Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Responsibility