Summary
This DOHA security clearance case involved a 61-year-old truck driver for a defense contractor, whose eligibility was reviewed under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed several financial allegations, including a collection account for past-due child support in State A totaling $12,721 on an account with a balance of $27,296, and another past-due child support account in State B for $2,456.
Additional allegations included a $5,721 delinquent account with a finance company, a $603 collection account for a cable bill, and multiple delinquent medical bills ranging from $52 to $933. These issues raised Disqualifying Conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c).
Ultimately, the security clearance was GRANTED. The judge applied Mitigating Conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e), finding that the applicant was current on child support and had made substantial progress in resolving other debts. The financial difficulties were largely attributed to medical issues and an accident, circumstances beyond the applicant's control. The applicant demonstrated responsible behavior by maintaining creditor contact and making payments.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant is current on child support payments and has made substantial progress in resolving debts.
- Financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, including medical issues and an accident.
- The applicant demonstrated responsible behavior by maintaining contact with creditors and making payments.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedHas a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 19, 2014
- Answer filedSep 23, 2014
- Hearing heldFeb 13, 2015
- Decision dateJun 23, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond an Applicant's Control in Financial Cases
- Importance of Demonstrating a Plan for Debt Resolution in Security Clearance Cases.