Summary
A 34-year-old single mother of two was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to approximately $19,000 in delinquent debt. The Statement of Reasons cited a delinquent student loan, a repossessed car, and multiple unpaid medical bills. Disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guideline (AG) ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised.
While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e) were applied, they were insufficient to overcome the security concerns. The applicant acknowledged some of her debts but failed to provide any evidence of efforts to resolve them or dispute their legitimacy.
The denial was based on the applicant's unresolved $19,000 in delinquent debt and the lack of demonstrated effort to address these financial obligations. Furthermore, the applicant's monthly expenditures exceeded her income, indicating a likelihood that her financial problems would persist.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant owes approximately $19,000 in delinquent debt and has not resolved her financial obligations.
- She provided no evidence of efforts to pay her debts or to dispute the legitimacy of the debts listed in the SOR.
- Her financial problems are likely to continue, as she spends more than she earns each month.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant's job loss was due to being fired for cause, not a circumstance beyond her control.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceiving Counseling for the ProblemApplicant provided no evidence of receiving counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsApplicant has not arranged any payment plans.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the DebtApplicant provided no evidence to support her disputes.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified information."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 23, 2010
- Answer filedMay 6, 2010Applicant admitted most allegations.
- Hearing held—
- Decision dateDec 9, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Delinquent Debt Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Obligations
- Impact of Financial Instability on Security Clearance Eligibility