Summary
A 50-year-old applicant with a high school diploma and some college education was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons outlined several financial issues, including a foreclosed mortgage, two delinquent telephone service accounts, a delinquent natural gas debt, a delinquent account in collection, and a credit card debt of $9,741. These issues raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c).
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He resolved most of his delinquent debts and incurred no new delinquencies. He also demonstrated control over his financial situation and participated in financial counseling.
The decision to grant the clearance was further supported by the finding that his financial problems were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, specifically periods of unemployment and a divorce. Mitigating conditions applied included AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d), leading to the favorable outcome.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant resolved most of his delinquent debts and has no new delinquent debt.
- He demonstrated control over his financial situation and participated in financial counseling.
- His financial problems were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as unemployment and divorce.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information may be granted only upon a finding that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to do so.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 27, 2015
- Answer filedDec 18, 2015
- Hearing heldJun 6, 2016
- Decision dateFeb 21, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Demonstrating Financial Responsibility Through Resolution of Debts
- Impact of Financial Counseling on Security Clearance Eligibility