Summary
A 56-year-old senior software engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to over $49,000 in delinquent debts. The applicant admitted to owing these debts, which included extensive spending on credit he knew he could not repay between early 2003 and late 2006. While he claimed to have repaid one debt, he provided no documentation or sufficient evidence of resolution for the remaining six.
The applicant's current financial situation indicated that delinquent indebtedness was likely to recur, as he remained substantially in debt and had not demonstrated responsible reduction of non-essential spending. Furthermore, there was no evidence of financial counseling or substantial efforts to resolve his delinquencies.
Ultimately, the applicant's security clearance was denied because he admitted to the significant delinquent debts, failed to provide proof of resolution for most of them, and presented insufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns arising from his prolonged financial irresponsibility.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted owing over $49,000 in delinquent debts.
- He provided no proof of resolution for six of the seven debts.
- Insufficient evidence was presented to mitigate security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyApplicant's financial irresponsibility is recent and involves multiple creditors.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant did not demonstrate responsible financial behavior during unemployment.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemNo evidence of financial counseling was provided.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay CreditorsInsufficient efforts to resolve debts were demonstrated.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 22, 2009
- Answer filedFeb 27, 2009Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held.
- Decision dateJul 9, 2009
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Recent Financial Irresponsibility Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility
- Lack of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Delinquent Debts