Summary
The applicant, a 23-year-old employed as an Administrative Assistant for a defense contractor, faced allegations under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to approximately $15,000 in debt. The judge found that the applicant's financial issues stemmed from her marital separation and her husband's lack of support, and noted her efforts to manage her debts responsibly. Ultimately, the judge granted the security clearance, determining that the applicant had demonstrated financial rehabilitation and good judgment.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Indebted to a bank for a credit card in the amount of $605.00 (1.a). Indebted to the Department of Education for student loans in the amount of $842.00, $1,326.00, and $3,425.00 (1.b). Indebted to a car company in the amount of $8,852.00 for a vehicle that was repossessed (1.c).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions 19.(a), 19.(c), 19.(e). The judge applied mitigating conditions 20.(b), 20.(c), 20.(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant's financial difficulties were primarily due to her marital separation and her husband's lack of support; She has taken steps to manage her debts, including setting up payment plans and moving in with her parents to reduce expenses; The applicant demonstrated a commitment to financial responsibility and has shown evidence of financial rehabilitation.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial difficulties were primarily due to her marital separation and her husband's lack of support.
- She has taken steps to manage her debts, including setting up payment plans and moving in with her parents to reduce expenses.
- The applicant demonstrated a commitment to financial responsibility and has shown evidence of financial rehabilitation.
Conditions Referenced
- 19.(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- 19.(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- 19.(e)raisedConsistent Spending Beyond One’s Means
- 20.(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- 20.(c)notedReceiving Counseling or Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- 20.(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is the careful weighing of a number of variables known as the whole person concept.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 12, 2008
- Answer filedFeb 24, 2009
- Hearing heldApr 28, 2009
- Decision dateMay 27, 2009
Cite For
- Financial Rehabilitation Under Guideline F
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Issues
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts as Mitigating Factors