Summary
The applicant, a 50-year-old former federal contractor and Air Force veteran, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to financial difficulties stemming from health issues and a significant reduction in income. Despite acknowledging some debts, the applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation to support claims of debt resolution, leading to a denial of security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant admits the debt in SOR ¶1.a ($982) but disputes the amount, stating that she made a $600 payment, which had not been deducted from the balance (1.a). Applicant denies she owes the debt listed in SOR ¶1.b ($917) stating that it was paid off (1.b). Applicant admits that she owes the delinquent debt in SOR ¶1.c ($1,000) and stated that she will address the debt as soon as possible (1.c). Applicant denies the debts in SOR ¶ 1.d ($9,000) for foreclosed mortgages. She stated that the debts were paid upon the completion of a short sale of her home (1.d). Applicant denies the debts in SOR ¶ 1.e ($8,000) for foreclosed mortgages. She stated that the debts were paid upon the completion of a short sale of her home (1.e). Applicant denies the debt in SOR ¶ 1.f ($1,000). It is no longer listed on her credit report (1.f). Applicant denies the debts in SOR ¶ 1.g (totaling $1,000). She stated that these accounts have been paid in full. Her credit report does not reflect her position (1.g). Applicant denies the debts in SOR ¶ 1.h (totaling $30). She stated that these accounts have been paid in full. Her credit report does not reflect her position (1.h). Applicant denies the debt in SOR ¶ 1.i ($315) stating she has a current payment plan with the creditor (1.i).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has numerous delinquent debts that she has been unable or unwilling to satisfy for a period of time; The applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to support her claims regarding debt payments and disputes; The applicant's financial problems are ongoing and not under control, raising concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has numerous delinquent debts that she has been unable or unwilling to satisfy for a period of time.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to support her claims regarding debt payments and disputes.
- The applicant's financial problems are ongoing and not under control, raising concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
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 issuedJun 3, 2009
- Answer filedAug 7, 2009Applicant elected to have her case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case decided on written record.
- Decision dateFeb 23, 2010
Cite For
- Financial Difficulties Due to Health Issues Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Documentation to Support Claims of Debt Resolution
- Ongoing Financial Problems Affecting Security Clearance Eligibility