Summary
The applicant, a 60-year-old combat systems electrician, faced security concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to delinquent debts, including student loans and a medical bill. The judge found that the applicant had made significant progress in resolving his financial issues and demonstrated responsible behavior, ultimately granting him eligibility for a security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: medical bill, placed for collection of $128 in January 2010 (1.a). student loans, placed for collection at various times in 2012, for $4,165 (1.b). student loans, placed for collection at various times in 2012, for $2,995 (1.c). student loans, placed for collection at various times in 2012, for $2,472 (1.d). student loans, placed for collection at various times in 2012, for $2,908 (1.e). student loans, placed for collection at various times in 2012, for $4,044 (1.f). two student loans, one charged off for $8,830 in November 2009 and the other charged off for $5,466 in April 2012 (1.g). two student loans, one charged off for $8,830 in November 2009 and the other charged off for $5,466 in April 2012 (1.h).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts; He has made significant progress in addressing his financial problems, including paying off several debts not alleged in the SOR; The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including periods of unemployment and a family medical emergency.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts.
- He has made significant progress in addressing his financial problems, including paying off several debts not alleged in the SOR.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including periods of unemployment and a family medical emergency.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 24, 2016
- Answer filedApr 15, 2016
- Hearing heldNov 16, 2016Rescheduled due to family medical emergency.
- Decision dateJan 26, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F for Financial Considerations
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Stability