Summary
A 45-year-old defense contractor employee and former U.S. Air Force member was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons cited two delinquent student loans totaling $17,957, a collection account for $8,132 from an automobile loan she co-signed for her brother, and a failure to file 2011 federal and state income tax returns. These issues raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 19(a), ¶ 19(c), and ¶ 19(g).
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating a clear plan to resolve her debts, including a repayment plan for the student loans. It was determined that her financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, specifically illness and family tragedies.
Additionally, the applicant's history of honorable service and prior security clearances contributed to the favorable decision. Mitigating conditions applied included AG ¶ 20(a), ¶ 20(b), ¶ 20(c), ¶ 20(d), and ¶ 20(e), leading to the granting of her security clearance.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a plan to resolve her debts, including a repayment plan for student loans.
- Financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including illness and family tragedies.
- The applicant has a history of honorable service and previously held security clearances.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(g)raisedFailure to File Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable 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 issuedFeb 5, 2015
- Answer filedMar 26, 2015Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on the written record.
- Decision dateAug 18, 2016
Cite for
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Responsibility
- Whole-person Analysis in Security Clearance Determinations