Summary
A 27-year-old material control handler was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations of over $30,000 in delinquent debts, primarily stemming from a period of unemployment. These debts included charges from a disconnected satellite TV service, an uncancelled gym membership, delinquent credit card balances, deficiencies after a vehicle repossession, delinquent cell phone charges, and book club fees.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating a stable employment history both before and after her unemployment. She provided detailed budgets illustrating her capacity to manage living expenses and repay her debts. Furthermore, she entered into repayment agreements for several accounts, including a monthly $75 debit for the gym membership, and made two payments totaling $375 toward a $585 cell phone balance, with the remaining $210 expected to be paid by January 2009. She also resolved the satellite TV and book club debts.
The judge found that the applicant's responsible financial management and commitment to debt repayment, supported by her engagement with a credit counseling service, were sufficient to mitigate the financial concerns, leading to the granting of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a stable employment history prior to her unemployment.
- She provided detailed budgets showing her ability to meet living expenses and repay debts.
- The applicant entered into repayment agreements and contracted with a credit counseling service to manage her debts.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19.crejectedA History of Not Meeting Financial ObligationsThe judge concluded this did not apply due to the applicant's prior stable credit history.
- F.20.aappliedThe Behavior Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- F.20.bappliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- F.20.cappliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- F.20.dappliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The sole purpose of a security clearance decision is to decide if it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue a security clearance for an applicant.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 10, 2008
- Answer filedOct 24, 2008
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateJan 21, 2009
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F Due to Unemployment
- Importance of Demonstrating a Good-faith Effort to Repay Debts
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions.