Summary
A 43-year-old configuration specialist was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to over $60,000 in delinquent debts, primarily student loans. The Statement of Reasons detailed approximately $48,000 in delinquent federal student loans, with two student loan accounts totaling about $53,000 in collection. Additionally, there were fifteen delinquent consumer accounts contributing to the overall debt. The applicant had not made payments on these debts since beginning her current employment in 2013.
The applicant attributed her financial problems to a failed marriage and divorce, and stated that her student loan accounts were in a rehabilitation program, with an intent to repay consumer accounts. However, she failed to provide supporting documentation to show that any delinquent accounts were paid, settled, in a payment plan, cancelled, forgiven, or otherwise resolved. The applicant chose to have her case decided on the written record without providing relevant documentation and did not respond to the FORM with material documentation.
The judge found that the applicant did not present sufficient documentary evidence to establish a good-faith effort to repay or resolve her delinquent debts, which remained wholly unresolved. This ongoing financial situation created doubt about her current reliability, trustworthiness, good judgment, and ability to protect classified information, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not present sufficient documentary evidence to show a good-faith effort to repay or resolve delinquent debts.
- The applicant's financial problems were not adequately addressed or mitigated, raising concerns about her reliability and judgment.
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 Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were attributed to her divorce, but she did not act responsibly to address the debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedClear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Under ControlThe applicant did not provide evidence that her debts were being resolved.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant failed to demonstrate any good-faith effort to repay her debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 22, 2015
- Answer filedNov 4, 2015
- Hearing held—Case decided on written record.
- Decision dateNov 2, 2016
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Presenting Documentation in Security Clearance Cases