Summary
A 28-year-old computer systems operator for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to significant delinquent debts totaling approximately $15,175. The Statement of Reasons detailed eight specific allegations, including a $5,326 bank credit card debt, a $5,035 savings and loan credit card debt, a $1,951 store account, and several medical and utility debts ranging from $85 to $2,152.
Disqualifying conditions related to overdue debts and an inability to meet financial obligations were raised. While some mitigating conditions, such as the debts not being recent and the applicant having made some efforts to resolve them, were considered, they were ultimately insufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to present a concrete plan to address the remaining $15,175 in unresolved debts or provide evidence of a good-faith effort to repay creditors. This financial irresponsibility raised concerns about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of access to sensitive information.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has significant delinquent debts totaling approximately $15,175 that remain unresolved.
- The applicant did not present a concrete plan to address remaining debts or evidence of a good-faith effort to repay creditors.
- The applicant's financial irresponsibility raises questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions referenced
- FC DC ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC MC ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurSome debts are still unpaid and the applicant has not established that the delinquent debts will not recur.
- FC MC ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant did not present any information to establish circumstances beyond his control that caused his delinquent debts.
- FC MC ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not present sufficient information to establish a good-faith effort to pay creditors or resolve debts.
Key rule quoted
“A person who seeks access to sensitive information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 22, 2009
- Answer filedMay 21, 2009Applicant admitted four and denied four allegations.
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to have the matter decided on the written record.
- Decision dateOct 20, 2009
Cite for
- Denial of Access Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating a Meaningful Plan to Address Debts
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Trustworthiness Evaluations