Summary
A 35-year-old defense contractor with a Master's Degree in computer science was initially denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to approximately $48,925 in delinquent debts. The applicant's financial difficulties were attributed to his wife's medical issues and subsequent divorce, which resulted in a single income and increased financial strain.
The Statement of Reasons detailed eight specific debts. Of these, one for $251 was paid, and another for $837 was settled. A debt for $8,507 was settled in September 2008. A $4,094 judgment for medical accounts was determined to belong to his wife per their divorce decree. Two debts, totaling $10,310 and $1,605, were pending settlement as part of a consolidation plan. A $12,305 debt was identified as a duplicate of another $7,753 debt, with the original account pending final settlement in November 2009.
The judge ultimately granted the security clearance, finding that the applicant had taken responsible steps to address his debts through a debt relief plan. The decision recognized that the financial difficulties stemmed from circumstances largely beyond his control and that he demonstrated a commitment to resolving his financial issues.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant actively addressed his delinquent debts through a debt relief plan.
- The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, including his wife's medical issues and divorce.
- The applicant demonstrated responsible financial behavior and a commitment to rectifying his financial situation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedIndebtedness Caused by Frivolous or Irresponsible Spending
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling for the Problem and Indications That It Is Being Resolved
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
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 issuedDec 10, 2008
- Answer filedJan 6, 2009
- Hearing heldMay 12, 2009Applicant testified and presented witness.
- Decision dateMay 26, 2009
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F for Financial Considerations
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations
- Importance of Demonstrating a Good-faith Effort to Resolve Debts in Security Clearance Cases