Summary
The applicant, a 50-year-old senior software engineer, faced financial difficulties due to medical expenses and the deaths of close family members, leading to several delinquencies under Guideline F. Despite a history of debt, the applicant demonstrated responsible behavior by enrolling in a debt management plan to address her financial obligations. The judge granted the security clearance, finding that the applicant's financial issues were largely beyond her control and that she acted responsibly under the circumstances.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: owed two judgments from 2015 of $1,714 (1.a). owed two judgments from 2015 of $1,531 (1.b). medical collection debts of $20 (1.c). medical collection debts of $20 (1.d). medical collection debts of $409 (1.e). consumer credit collection debts of $1,715 (1.f). charged-off debts of $1,410 (1.g). charged-off debts of $711 (1.h). charged-off debts of $712 (1.i). charged-off debts of $22,789 (1.j). consumer credit collection debts of $1,532 (1.k). consumer credit collection debts of $720 (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(b), AG ¶ 20(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant's financial difficulties were primarily due to unforeseen medical expenses and family deaths; She enrolled in a debt management plan to address her outstanding debts, demonstrating responsible behavior; Character references from co-workers attested to her integrity and reliability.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial difficulties were primarily due to unforeseen medical expenses and family deaths.
- She enrolled in a debt management plan to address her outstanding debts, demonstrating responsible behavior.
- Character references from co-workers attested to her integrity and reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial issues were largely due to medical and burial expenses for family members.
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant enrolled in a debt management plan to address her debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 8, 2016
- Answer filedJul 11, 2016
- Hearing heldOct 19, 2016
- Decision dateMay 12, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Due to Medical Emergencies Under Guideline F
- Responsible Action in Addressing Debts Through a Management Plan
- Character References Supporting Reliability and Integrity in Security Clearance Cases