Summary
A 54-year-old male applicant was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed five credit card debts totaling over $47,765, with additional debts incurred during a 13-month period of unemployment. During this time, the applicant was also late on some other bills. He disputed excessive fees and interest charged by creditors and settled one debt for $9,000 after a lawsuit was filed against him.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, specifically regarding a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. However, the applicant successfully applied several mitigating conditions.
The clearance was granted because the applicant demonstrated a good faith effort to resolve his debts through a structured repayment plan. He also participated in financial education workshops to improve his financial management skills. The decision noted that the applicant's past financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as unemployment.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good faith effort to resolve his debts through a structured repayment plan.
- He participated in financial education workshops to improve his financial management skills.
- The applicant's past financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as unemployment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe 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
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 29, 2008
- Answer filedFeb 2, 2009
- Hearing heldMar 11, 2009
- Decision dateApr 1, 2009
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Good Faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Unemployment on Financial Obligations