Summary
A 42-year-old Senior Engineering Technician with two children was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The denial stemmed from significant financial difficulties, including multiple overdue debts totaling approximately $11,000 and a foreclosed mortgage from around 2009.
The Statement of Reasons detailed 21 separate delinquent accounts. These included three debts to one creditor for $413, $281, and $242, respectively, and eight delinquent medical accounts ranging from $50 to $320. Other overdue debts cited ranged from $51 to $5,853. The judge found that the applicant had a history of not meeting financial obligations and failed to demonstrate responsible actions to resolve or mitigate these issues.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, specifically regarding a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability to satisfy debts. While mitigating conditions were considered, the judge concluded that the applicant's financial issues raised serious questions about her reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of not meeting financial obligations, as evidenced by multiple overdue debts and a foreclosed mortgage.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of responsible actions taken to resolve or mitigate her financial difficulties.
- The applicant's financial issues raise significant questions about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not act responsibly to resolve or reduce her delinquent debts.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsNo evidence was introduced that the applicant initiated a good-faith effort to repay debts.
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 issuedJul 23, 2015
- Answer filedOct 5, 2015Applicant requested decision on written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateAug 15, 2016
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Actions to Mitigate Financial Issues
- Application of Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility