Summary
A 34-year-old married father of two was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to significant delinquent debts. The applicant had approximately $36,800 in outstanding medical bills, primarily incurred during a child's illness. While the applicant acknowledged these debts and expressed an intent to resolve them, the Statement of Reasons specifically cited a $36,000 delinquent debt from medical collection accounts.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, including the applicant's history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. Although several mitigating conditions were considered, such as the debts being largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control and a good-faith effort to resolve them, these were ultimately not sufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to provide documentary evidence of any payments made or a concrete repayment plan for the outstanding debts. The applicant's promise to pay in the future, without a tangible plan or evidence of action, was deemed insufficient to mitigate the financial concerns, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not provide documentary evidence regarding the resolution of his delinquent debt.
- The applicant's debts remain unpaid, and he did not submit any evidence of payments or payment agreements.
- The applicant's promise to pay in the future was deemed insufficient without a concrete plan.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC MC AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant incurred debts due to his child's illness and lack of medical insurance.
- FC MC AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe debts remain unpaid and are recent.
- FC MC AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThere is no evidence that the applicant has addressed any delinquent debts.
- FC MC AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe 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 ControlThe applicant did not provide information on financial counseling.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 16, 2015
- Answer filedTimely
- Hearing heldN/AApplicant requested a review based on the written record.
- Decision dateSep 2, 2016
Cite For
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Debt Resolution Under Guideline F
- Importance of Documentary Evidence in Financial Considerations Cases
- Insufficient Future Payment Promises Without a Repayment Plan