Summary
A 45-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to approximately $28,741 in delinquent debts. These debts included about $5,000 in medical bills, $15,000 in student loans, and a $3,509 charged-off auto loan. The applicant also admitted to approximately $24,922 in delinquent debts and disputed a $1,739 judgment and a $538 debt from 2005.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to demonstrate responsible actions or a viable repayment plan for her debts. She did not develop a repayment plan, show good faith in resolving her financial issues, or provide updated income information. Furthermore, she failed to follow through on promises to create a budget and pay off debts, or to enroll in a debt resolution plan.
Despite acknowledging her financial difficulties and citing marital separation as a contributing factor, the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of efforts to resolve her debts or demonstrate that her financial problems were under control. The decision concluded that she failed to act responsibly in resolving her delinquent debts and did not provide evidence of a commitment to financial responsibility.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to approximately $24,922 in delinquent debts and failed to provide a reasonable repayment plan.
- She did not act responsibly in resolving her debts despite acknowledging her financial difficulties.
- The applicant's reliance on her marital separation as a reason for her financial issues was insufficient to mitigate the concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial issues have persisted since her separation in 1990.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial issues were not solely due to her marital separation.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant only recently promised to contact a counseling firm without evidence of a repayment plan.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the DebtThe applicant disputed some debts but provided no documentation to substantiate her claims.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 15, 2007
- Answer filedOct 30, 2007
- Hearing held—Decided on the record in lieu of a hearing.
- Decision dateApr 28, 2008
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Responsible Financial Management
- Failure to Demonstrate Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts