Summary
A 42-year-old network systems administrator was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant faced concerns stemming from 24 delinquent debts totaling approximately $65,000, indicating a history of financial irresponsibility.
Specific allegations included a $37,362 debt settled in 2009 with sporadic payments made through February 2010. He also owed approximately $15,000 to the IRS, for which he established an installment agreement in 2007, paying about $125 monthly via wage garnishment. Additionally, he owed $2,000 in state back taxes, for which he had a payment agreement but issued a bad check and struggled with consistent payments. Other debts included a $605 collection agency debt with an unverified payment agreement, and a $4,157 state income tax debt for which he claimed a payment agreement of $193 monthly for 24 months.
Despite some efforts to arrange payments, the judge determined that the applicant's financial problems were not under control. The applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient timely actions to resolve his debts and lacked a track record of financial responsibility, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- Applicant lacks a track record of financial responsibility.
- He failed to demonstrate sufficient timely actions to resolve his debts.
- His financial problems are not under control.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant established some circumstances beyond his control contributing to his financial issues.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemApplicant did not participate in recent financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsApplicant's payment arrangements were made only after legal action was initiated.
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurApplicant's financial problems are ongoing and not resolved.
- AG ¶ 20(e)notedDispute Legitimacy of Past-due Debt
- AG ¶ 20(f)notedAffluence From Legal Sources
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 30, 2009
- Answer filedOct 7, 2009Applicant's undated response to SOR allegations.
- Hearing heldFeb 4, 2010Hearing convened as scheduled.
- Decision dateMay 17, 2010
Cite for
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond Control in Financial Cases