Summary
The applicant, a 48-year-old unmarried female with a twelfth-grade education, sought a security clearance under Guideline F due to financial considerations. She had incurred approximately $12,000 in debt primarily due to medical issues and job loss, but successfully resolved her debts with assistance from her mother. The judge found that the applicant acted responsibly under circumstances beyond her control, leading to a decision to grant her security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: A delinquent medical account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $653. This debt has been paid (1.a). A delinquent medical account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $2,603. This debt has been paid (1.b). A delinquent medical account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $8,861. This debt has been resolved (1.c).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions 19(a), 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions 20(b), 20(c), 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant resolved all debts listed in the SOR with assistance from her mother; The financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including serious medical problems and job loss; The applicant demonstrated good judgment and responsibility in managing her finances post-issues.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant resolved all debts listed in the SOR with assistance from her mother.
- The financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including serious medical problems and job loss.
- The applicant demonstrated good judgment and responsibility in managing her finances post-issues.
Conditions Referenced
- 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- 20(c)appliedThe 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
- 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information is predicated upon the individual meeting these personnel security guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 7, 2015
- Answer filedDec 29, 2015
- Hearing heldApr 25, 2016
- Decision dateJun 17, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions for Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Circumstances Beyond Control on Financial Issues
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts as a Mitigating Factor