Summary
A 43-year-old software configuration management analyst was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to multiple delinquent debts. The Statement of Reasons detailed five specific allegations: a mortgage loan past due by $18,022 with a balance of $115,792; a charged-off college tuition debt of approximately $1,801; and three outstanding bills for $360, $182, and $169, respectively.
The judge applied Disqualifying Conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c), while also considering Mitigating Conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e).
Ultimately, the clearance was denied because the applicant admitted to the delinquent debts but failed to provide documentation of payments or evidence of good faith efforts to resolve them. The judge concluded that her financial irresponsibility raised concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts, including a mortgage loan and medical bills.
- She failed to provide documentation of payments on her debts or evidence of good faith efforts to resolve them.
- The judge found that her financial irresponsibility raised concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's delinquent debts are numerous and recent.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some unemployment was beyond her control, she did not explain her transition to delinquency.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant has not sought or received financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsPayments made were motivated by the security clearance process rather than a sense of obligation.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute Legitimacy of DebtThe applicant did not dispute any of the debts alleged in the SOR.
Key Rule Quoted
“Once a concern arises regarding an applicant’s security clearance eligibility, there is a strong presumption against the grant or maintenance of a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 22, 2015
- Answer filedOct 22, 2015
- Hearing held—Decision made on the record without a hearing.
- Decision dateSep 2, 2016
Cite For
- Denial Based on Inability to Resolve Delinquent Debts Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Financial Irresponsibility as a Security Concern
- Presumption Against Granting Security Clearance When Concerns Arise.