Summary
A 41-year-old female applicant with a master's degree and prior military service was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The denial stemmed from unresolved delinquent debts totaling $27,942. Specific allegations included a state tax lien for $1,031, a federal tax lien for $771, and a phone bill placed for collection for $144.
The applicant attributed her financial distress to unemployment and a decrease in income following her military service. However, the judge determined that she did not provide sufficient evidence of responsible actions taken to address these financial issues. Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised.
While mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 20(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (g) were considered, the judge ultimately found that the applicant's financial problems were not under control. She did not meet the burden of proof for the mitigating conditions, leading to the conclusion that granting clearance was not consistent with national interest.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has unresolved delinquent debts totaling $27,942, which she admitted to in part.
- Applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of responsible actions taken to address her financial issues.
- The judge found that the applicant's financial problems were not under control and did not meet the burden of proof for mitigating conditions.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debt
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurApplicant's numerous delinquent debts remain unresolved.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant did not meet her burden to establish that her separation from the Navy was largely beyond her control.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Financial CounselingApplicant did not receive financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe record is silent as to any progress made in addressing her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute Legitimacy of DebtApplicant did not provide documented proof to substantiate her dispute.
- AG ¶ 20(g)rejectedArrangements with Tax AuthorityInsufficient evidence to conclude that the state tax lien has been resolved.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 6, 2016
- Answer filedJul 5, 2016Requested decision on the record without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the record.
- Decision dateJul 20, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Responsible Financial Management
- Failure to Demonstrate Mitigating Conditions for Financial Distress