Summary
A 54-year-old administrative specialist for a government contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant's financial difficulties stemmed primarily from her husband's failed construction business, leading to several delinquent debts.
Specifically, the Statement of Reasons cited a $27,308 collection account for which a Form 1099-C was received in 2014, and a $19,907 collection account that the applicant believed a now-defunct group was to settle. Another collection account for $9,577 also resulted in a Form 1099-C for debt cancellation in 2014. Additionally, a $3,425 collection account remained unresolved, and a charged-off account showed a zero balance on a 2017 credit report. A $1,986 past-due account was settled in 2016.
The clearance was granted because the applicant admitted to the debts, provided explanations, and demonstrated efforts toward resolution. Her financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, such as her husband's loss of income. She has maintained employment since 2014, is currently in good financial standing, and has incurred no new delinquent debts.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant admitted to the debts but provided explanations and evidence of efforts to resolve them.
- She has been employed since 2014 and is currently in good financial status with no new delinquent debts.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including her husband's loss of income.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe 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)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control and the Individual Acted Responsibly Under the Circumstances
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe 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
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMar 16, 2016
- Answer filed—Timely response by applicant.
- Hearing heldFeb 7, 2017Applicant testified and presented evidence.
- Decision dateApr 20, 2017
Cite for
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F for Financial Considerations
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond the Applicant's Control in Financial Matters
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations