Summary
A 43-year-old employee of a Department of Defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations regarding delinquent debts totaling $22,000, primarily stemming from medical expenses related to a major surgery.
Specific allegations included multiple paid-in-full debts from 2008, such as a $109 credit card debt, two animal hospital debts of $73 and $88, and several medical bills ranging from $43 to $259. Other debts, including medical bills of $477 and $288, were settled for $508 each in December 2008. A $528 credit card debt was paid in November 2008, and $135 in court costs for a divorce proceeding were paid in March 2008. Additionally, a $2,664 hospital bill and approximately $16,000 in other medical bills were consolidated into a debt management program with ongoing monthly payments. Three debts totaling $578 were disputed by the applicant and not found on credit reports.
The clearance was granted because the applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to medical issues beyond her control. She demonstrated responsible financial behavior by taking significant steps to resolve her debts, including entering a debt consolidation program. Furthermore, her current income was deemed sufficient to meet her financial obligations and prevent future indebtedness.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial difficulties were primarily due to circumstances beyond her control, specifically medical issues.
- The applicant has taken significant steps to resolve her debts, including entering a debt consolidation program.
- The applicant's current income is sufficient to meet her financial obligations and avoid further indebtedness.
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 Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedFinancial Problems Are Being Resolved or Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood Faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate determination of whether to grant eligibility for a security clearance must be an overall common sense judgment based upon careful consideration of the guidelines and the whole person concept.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 16, 2008
- Answer filedNov 10, 2008
- Hearing heldFeb 18, 2009
- Decision dateApr 20, 2009
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Demonstrating a Plan to Resolve Financial Issues
- Whole Person Concept in Financial Cases