Summary
The applicant, a 40-year-old technical support advisor with a history of financial difficulties, sought a security clearance under Guideline F. Despite admitting to significant delinquent debts totaling $105,000, the applicant demonstrated a commitment to resolving these issues through a debt relief program and had successfully paid off several debts. The judge found that the applicant had mitigated the financial security concerns and granted the security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a judgment for a credit card company for $12,804 (1.a). a judgment for $1,804 (1.b). a judgment for a credit card company for $10,389 (1.c). a judgment for a bank for $5,000 (1.d). another judgment for a credit union for $39,093 (1.e). a debt to a university placed for collection for $2,274 (1.f). another credit union account charged off for $10,773 (1.g). a credit union account charged off for $3,994 (1.h). an account charged off for $746 (1.i). a bank debt charged off for $18,821 (1.j).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 19(e). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a commitment to resolving financial issues through a debt relief program; Most of the delinquent debts were either paid or being actively managed; The applicant's financial conduct showed responsible management and good judgment.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a commitment to resolving financial issues through a debt relief program.
- Most of the delinquent debts were either paid or being actively managed.
- The applicant's financial conduct showed responsible management and good judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(e)raisedConsistent Spending Beyond One’s Means
- 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 21, 2014
- Answer filedNov 7, 2014
- Hearing heldApr 8, 2015
- Decision dateApr 24, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts in Debt Repayment
- Evaluation of Financial Responsibility in Security Clearance Cases