Summary
A 55-year-old senior software engineer was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant's financial issues stemmed from multiple debts incurred after several divorces and job relocations. Specific allegations included credit card debts of $5,504, $35,262 (also listed as $24,860), and $2,017, along with a training program debt of $7,048, a repossession debt of $36,615, a line of credit debt of $2,686, and a collection debt of $408.
The applicant demonstrated significant efforts to resolve these debts. She settled a $5,504 credit card debt, a $2,686 line of credit debt, and a $408 collection debt in April 2008. A $2,017 credit card debt was paid in 2007. For the remaining debts, she established payment plans, paying $100 monthly for the $7,048 training program debt since April 2008, $400 monthly for the $36,615 repossession debt since January 2008, and $500 monthly for the $35,262 credit card debt since October 2007.
The judge found that the applicant actively participated in a debt settlement program, negotiated payment plans, and resolved several debts before the hearing. Her financial issues were largely attributed to circumstances beyond her control, and she demonstrated responsible behavior in addressing them, maintaining a stable income sufficient to meet her obligations. Consequently, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant actively engaged in a debt settlement program and negotiated payment plans for her debts.
- She resolved several debts prior to the hearing and demonstrated a stable income sufficient to meet her financial obligations.
- The applicant's financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, and she acted responsibly in addressing them.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(e)raisedConsistent Spending Beyond One's Means
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling or Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the revised adjudicative guidelines (AG).”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 7, 2008
- Answer filedMar 3, 2008
- Hearing heldMay 21, 2008
- Decision dateJun 30, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond the Applicant's Control
- Demonstration of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts