Summary
A 46-year-old Department of Defense contractor, holding a secret security clearance, was denied continued access under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from multiple delinquent accounts and a failure to file state tax returns for 2011 and 2012.
Specific allegations included a $166 delinquent cell phone account from 2009, a $1,235 judgment from 2009, an $898 judgment for a credit card from 2008, a $141 cable television bill in collection, a $795 telephone account from January 2014, a $1,305 delinquent account from November 2007, and a $2,506 delinquent credit card account from March 2007.
The applicant was denied because these multiple delinquent accounts totaled approximately $7,046, and the failure to file state income tax returns for two years demonstrated a lack of financial responsibility. Crucially, the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of resolving all outstanding debts or demonstrating a stable current financial status.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had multiple delinquent accounts totaling approximately $7,046.
- The applicant failed to file state income tax returns for 2011 and 2012, indicating a lack of financial responsibility.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of resolving all debts or current financial status.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(g)raisedFailure to File Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were likely aggravated by his divorce and job loss.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant provided proof of resolving some debts.
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentThe applicant did not provide sufficient explanation for his financial problems.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThere is no record of the applicant receiving financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedDispute Legitimacy of Past-due DebtThe applicant did not indicate whether he took steps to dispute the debt.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 4, 2015
- Answer filedFeb 26, 2015Requested decision on the record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the record.
- Decision dateJul 18, 2016
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Burden of Proof on Applicant to Mitigate Financial Concerns