Summary
A 49-year-old executive assistant for a defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The concerns stemmed from financial difficulties attributed to her former husband's spending habits and a period of her own unemployment.
The applicant demonstrated significant efforts to resolve her financial issues. She became current on a previously past-due vehicle loan of $868 and paid seven specific debts totaling $9,797. Additionally, she successfully disputed a $1,607 debt and is repaying a $4,250 judgment through $100 monthly payments since January 2015. She also contacted creditors for a $569 debt and for her son’s medical treatment, which included a $202 medical debt owed by her husband. She disputed a $1,726 debt and did not recognize a $2,275 judgment.
The judge found that the applicant acted responsibly to mitigate the concerns by repaying debts and living within her means. Over 75% of the alleged debts were addressed, and the financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control. These mitigating factors led to the decision to grant her eligibility for a security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated responsible financial behavior by repaying debts and living within her means.
- The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including her former husband's spending and her unemployment.
- The applicant has made significant progress in resolving her debts, with over 75% of the SOR debts addressed.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA 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
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance adjudication is an evaluation of a person’s judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness. It is not a debt-collection procedure.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 12, 2016
- Answer filedJul 16, 2016
- Hearing heldJan 13, 2017
- Decision dateJun 30, 2017Decision based on amended AG effective June 8, 2017.
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Responsible Financial Behavior as a Factor in Security Clearance Decisions
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations and Security Clearance Eligibility