Summary
A 40-year-old program manager for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to significant delinquent debts exceeding $50,000. The Statement of Reasons specifically cited two instances of unpaid medical bills, each for $1,800.
Disqualifying conditions F.1.a and F.1.c were raised, indicating a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. While mitigating conditions F.2.a, F.2.b, F.2.c, and F.2.d were considered, they were ultimately insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's substantial delinquent debts, which included unpaid medical bills and credit card balances. Only one of the medical debts was resolved prior to the Statement of Reasons being issued, and other debts remained outstanding. The judge determined that the applicant's financial difficulties stemmed largely from her own choices, such as defaulting on mortgages and ceasing credit card payments, leading to a finding of insufficient trustworthiness for a security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had over $50,000 in delinquent debts, including unpaid medical bills and credit card debts.
- Only one of the medical debts was paid before the Statement of Reasons (SOR) was issued, and other debts remained unresolved.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to her own choices, including defaulting on mortgages and ceasing to pay credit cards.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2.arejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- F.2.brejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- F.2.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- F.2.drejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government has a compelling interest in ensuring each applicant possesses the requisite judgement, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 23, 2015
- Answer filed—Timely response requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldApr 28, 2016Hearing conducted.
- Decision dateMar 2, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating a Credible Plan to Resolve Financial Issues
- Impact of Personal Choices on Financial Responsibility and Security Clearance Eligibility