Summary
The applicant, a 41-year-old junior analyst with a history of financial difficulties, sought a security clearance under Guideline F due to multiple delinquent debts and a prior bankruptcy. The judge found that the applicant had resolved all debts and demonstrated financial responsibility, leading to a favorable decision for clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: $1,370 judgment against Applicant, which has been paid in full (1.a). $742 judgment against Applicant, which has been paid in full (1.b). $750 collection account, which has been paid in full (1.c). $222 collection account, which has been paid in full (1.d). $332 collection account, which has been paid in full (1.e). $346 collection account, which has been paid in full (1.f). $504 collection account, which has been paid in full (1.g). $83 collection account, which has been paid in full (1.h). $8,783 collection account, for which Applicant has settled for $4,100, is making payments and is current (1.i). $50 past due account, which Applicant has paid in full (1.j). $1,527 past due account, for which Applicant is making payments and is current (1.k). $385 collection account, which Applicant has settled for $192.50 and paid in full (1.l). $100 collection account, which Applicant has paid in full (1.m). $1,295 collection account, for which Applicant is making payments and is current (1.n). Applicant is only making partial payments on her mortgage. She has since rectified that and is current (1.o). Chapter 13 bankruptcy filed in September 1999 and dismissed in January 2000 (1.p).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.19(a), F.19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions F.20(a), F.20(b), F.20(c), F.20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant paid or resolved all debts alleged in the SOR; The applicant demonstrated improved financial stability and responsibility since her bankruptcy; The applicant sought professional financial counseling and established a budget.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant paid or resolved all debts alleged in the SOR.
- The applicant demonstrated improved financial stability and responsibility since her bankruptcy.
- The applicant sought professional financial counseling and established a budget.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.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
- F.20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control and the Individual Acted Responsibly Under the Circumstances
- F.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
- F.20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 27, 2008
- Answer filedApr 17, 2008
- Hearing heldJun 24, 2008
- Decision dateAug 29, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Financial Responsibility
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions