Summary
The applicant, a 34-year-old administrative assistant and single mother, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to unresolved financial issues, including a history of delinquent debts. Despite some efforts to address her debts, the judge found insufficient evidence of a consistent track record in managing her finances, leading to concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Cell phone bill $ 225.00 (1.a). Cell phone bill $ 612.00 (1.b). Check nonpayment $ 35.00 (1.c). Check nonpayment $ 25.00 (1.d). Bank account fees $ 175.00 (1.e). Rent $ 2,646.00 (1.f). Check nonpayment $ 27.00 (1.g). Car repossession $10,191.00 (1.h). Utility bill $ 469.00 (1.i). Rent $ 1,892.00 (1.j). Collection creditor (original creditor unknown) $ 832.00 (1.k). Utility bill $ 469.00 (1.l). Loan $ 220.00 (1.m). Clothing store bill $ 214.00 (1.n). Cell phone bill $ 1,023.00 (1.o). Insurance bill $ 116.00 (1.p). Collection account (original creditor unknown) $ 96.00 (1.q). Cell phone bill $ 906.00 (1.r).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(e). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has a history of not meeting financial obligations, raising security concerns; The applicant's financial problems have been ongoing and did not occur under unusual circumstances; The applicant has not demonstrated a sufficient track record for good financial management despite recent efforts to resolve debts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of not meeting financial obligations, raising security concerns.
- The applicant's financial problems have been ongoing and did not occur under unusual circumstances.
- The applicant has not demonstrated a sufficient track record for good financial management despite recent efforts to resolve debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant lost her job in 2002, which contributed to her financial difficulties.
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedEvidence of Counseling or Resolution of Financial ProblemsThe applicant initiated contact with creditors to resolve debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of Past-due DebtThe applicant challenged the validity of several debts.
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 issuedJun 30, 2008
- Answer filedAug 11, 2008
- Hearing heldSep 29, 2008
- Decision dateNov 5, 2008
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Ongoing Financial Issues on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Mitigating Conditions Related to Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F