Summary
A 34-year-old married man with two children was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The denial stemmed from approximately $36,800 in delinquent debts, primarily medical bills incurred during his child's illness. The Statement of Reasons listed multiple allegations, all pertaining to the applicant's admission of these $36,000 medical collection accounts.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, specifically regarding a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. While mitigating conditions were considered, including the debts being largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control and a good-faith effort to resolve them, these were ultimately not sufficient.
The applicant acknowledged the debts and expressed an intent to pay them, but failed to provide documentary evidence of payment plans or financial counseling. His promise to pay in the future was deemed insufficient without a concrete plan or evidence of payments made, leading to the conclusion that he did not act responsibly in addressing his financial obligations. The security clearance was therefore denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not provide documentary evidence regarding the resolution of his delinquent debt.
- The applicant admitted to having significant delinquent debts but failed to demonstrate any efforts to address them.
- The applicant's promise to pay in the future was deemed insufficient without a concrete plan or evidence of payments made.
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 Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant's debts were incurred due to his child's illness and lack of medical insurance.
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe debts remain unpaid and are recent.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not provide evidence of any efforts to address his debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe 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 ControlThe applicant did not provide any information regarding financial counseling.
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate burden of persuasion is on the applicant seeking a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 16, 2015
- Answer filedTimely
- Hearing heldN/AApplicant requested a review based on the written record.
- Decision dateSep 2, 2016
Cite For
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Significant Medical Debt on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Demonstrating Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Obligations