Summary
This case involves a 54-year-old single mother of two whose security clearance was denied under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to unresolved financial issues. The Statement of Reasons cited her failure to file federal income tax returns for 2012 and 2013, the repossession of a vehicle, and multiple delinquent debts. Specifically, she had two delinquent medical debts, one delinquent consumer debt, and three other delinquent debts totaling approximately $228.
The judge identified disqualifying conditions under Guideline F, including a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. While mitigating conditions such as the debts not being recent, the applicant's good-faith efforts, and the debts being outside her control were considered, they were ultimately insufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to file the specified tax returns, the unresolved delinquent debts totaling approximately $228, and her inability to provide sufficient evidence of financial stability or counseling. Consequently, the judge found that the applicant did not adequately mitigate the security concerns, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant failed to file federal income tax returns for 2012 and 2013.
- Applicant has unresolved delinquent debts totaling approximately $228.
- Applicant did not provide evidence of financial stability or counseling.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.1.graisedFailure to File Federal, State . . . Income Tax Returns as Required
- F.2.bappliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe death of the applicant's children's father was a circumstance beyond her control.
- F.2.arejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- F.2.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or 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
- F.2.erejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 16, 2015
- Answer filedJan 15, 2016
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateApr 20, 2017
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Providing Evidence to Support Claims of Financial Stability