Summary
The applicant, a 45-year-old defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $15,485, primarily medical debts. The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay her debts and provided evidence of financial stability, leading to the granting of her security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: SOR ¶ 1.a ($292) is a medical debt (1.a). SOR ¶ 1.b ($1,744) is a judgment resulting from a personal loan to Applicant’s husband (1.b). SOR ¶ 1.c ($10,960) is a charged-off account related to a repossessed auto (1.c). SOR ¶ 1.d ($1,256) is a student loan that was placed in collection (1.d). SOR ¶ 1.e ($606) is a student loan that was placed in collection (1.e). SOR ¶ 1.f ($164) is a medical debt (1.f). SOR ¶ 1.g ($117) is a medical debt (1.g). SOR ¶ 1.h ($100) is a medical debt (1.h). SOR ¶ 1.i ($89) is a past-due cell phone bill (1.i). SOR ¶ 1.j ($62) is a medical debt (1.j). SOR ¶ 1.k ($50) is a medical debt (1.k). SOR ¶ 1.l ($45) is a medical debt (1.l).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to pay her debts; Most debts were medical and resulted from circumstances beyond her control, such as health issues and her husband's unstable employment; The applicant's financial situation has stabilized, indicating reliability and good judgment.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to pay her debts.
- Most debts were medical and resulted from circumstances beyond her control, such as health issues and her husband's unstable employment.
- The applicant's financial situation has stabilized, indicating reliability and good judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Infrequently
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling or Indications of Resolution
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 2, 2016
- Answer filedMar 23, 2016Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMay 31, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Stability