Summary
A 28-year-old single mother, working as a clerk at a military hospital, was denied a public trust position due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons cited approximately $14,000 in unresolved delinquent debts, including a car repossession deficiency balance from 2007, a credit card account in collections, and a cell phone account in collections. Additionally, the applicant failed to list these specific debts and the repossession on her application.
Disqualifying conditions were raised under AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(b), and AG ¶ 19(c). Mitigating conditions, including positive character references and a credible explanation for the application omissions, were applied under AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d).
Ultimately, the applicant's eligibility was denied. The decision highlighted her ongoing financial issues, failure to provide evidence of debt resolution despite sufficient time, and a perceived lack of financial counseling, which collectively raised concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant's financial situation raised concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
- She failed to provide evidence of resolving her delinquent debts despite having ample time to do so.
- The applicant's financial irresponsibility and lack of financial counseling contributed to the decision.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control and the Individual Acted Responsibly Under the Circumstances
- 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 Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key rule quoted
“Failure to . . . meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified or sensitive information.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 18, 2016
- Answer filedJun 1, 2016
- Hearing heldFeb 28, 2017mutually agreed date
- Decision dateAug 8, 2017
Cite for
- Denial of Eligibility Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in the Context of Financial Irresponsibility
- Impact of Financial Counseling on Security Clearance Determinations