Summary
A 40-year-old help desk technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to significant unresolved financial issues. The Statement of Reasons detailed 18 delinquent debts totaling over $12,000, including a medical account with an $856 debt settled for $323, and thirteen other medical debts amounting to approximately $4,000. Additionally, the applicant failed to file state and federal income tax returns for 2012 and 2013 in a timely manner.
The decision cited Disqualifying Conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(b), and AG ¶ 19(f). While Mitigating Conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d) were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's admission of multiple delinquent debts, the failure to timely file tax returns, and the lack of evidence demonstrating a credible plan or significant progress in resolving her financial obligations. Consequently, granting a clearance was deemed inconsistent with the national interest.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling over $12,000.
- The applicant failed to file her 2012-2013 state and Federal income tax returns in a timely manner.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of a credible plan to resolve her financial issues or any significant progress in addressing her debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(f)raisedFailure to File or Fraudulently Filing Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial difficulties are recent and multiple, and have not ended.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond ControlWhile initial problems were due to circumstances beyond her control, the applicant did not demonstrate responsible actions to resolve her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived CounselingThe applicant provided no evidence of credit or financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant did not document a good-faith effort to satisfy her debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government has a compelling interest in ensuring each applicant possesses the requisite judgement, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 19, 2016
- Answer filedMar 1, 2016
- Hearing heldMay 11, 2017
- Decision dateOct 18, 2018
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of a Credible Plan to Resolve Debts
- Failure to File Tax Returns as a Significant Factor in Clearance Denial