Summary
The applicant, a 50-year-old quality control production clerk, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to 29 debts totaling over $23,000, primarily stemming from medical expenses following a stroke in 2005. Despite some mitigating circumstances, the judge found insufficient evidence of a good-faith effort to resolve the debts, leading to a denial of her application for a public trust position.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Delinquent state tax lien in the amount of $1,500.00 (1.a). Delinquent credit card account in the amount of $2,000.00 (1.b). Delinquent credit card account in the amount of $1,500.00 (1.c). Delinquent credit card account in the amount of $1,200.00 (1.d). Delinquent credit card account in the amount of $800.00 (1.e). Collection account for a vehicle loan in the amount of $9,300.00 (1.f). Delinquent credit card account in the amount of $1,000.00 (1.g). Delinquent credit card account in the amount of $500.00 (1.h). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $5,494.00 (1.i). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.j). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $28.00 (1.k). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.l). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.m). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.n). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.o). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.p). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.q). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.r). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.s). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.t). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.u). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.v). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.w). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.x). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.y). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.z). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.aa). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.bb). Delinquent medical account in the amount of $31.00 (1.cc).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions FC DC 19.a, FC DC 19.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions FC MC 20.b, FC MC 20.c, FC MC 20.d. The decision turned on the following: The applicant had 29 debts totaling over $23,000, indicating an inability to manage financial obligations; Only two debts were documented as paid, undermining claims of a good-faith effort to resolve financial issues; The applicant had not received financial counseling and failed to establish payment plans with creditors.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had 29 debts totaling over $23,000, indicating an inability to manage financial obligations.
- Only two debts were documented as paid, undermining claims of a good-faith effort to resolve financial issues.
- The applicant had not received financial counseling and failed to establish payment plans with creditors.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 19.aappliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC 19.cappliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC MC 20.bappliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- FC MC 20.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- FC MC 20.drejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 19, 2008
- Answer filedAug 22, 2008Addendum submitted on August 29, 2008.
- Hearing heldNov 20, 2008
- Decision dateMar 3, 2009
Cite For
- Evaluation of Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Medical Debts on Security Clearance Decisions
- Consideration of Good-faith Efforts in Debt Resolution