Summary
A 30-year-old administrative specialist was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to significant delinquent debts totaling approximately $19,300. The Statement of Reasons detailed 23 allegations, including a judgment from about June 2006 for a medical obligation of $1,149, various collection accounts, charged-off accounts, and multiple medical and telecommunications obligations. Specific examples included a retail collection account for about $4,037, a charged-off account for approximately $3,404, and a medical obligation for about $2,359.
The applicant admitted to all 23 allegations. While some evidence of debt repayment was presented, the judge found this insufficient to demonstrate a consistent effort to resolve the financial issues. A key concern was that the applicant's monthly expenses exceeded her income by approximately $500, indicating ongoing financial instability.
Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of a sustainable plan to address her financial obligations, leading to concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness. The security clearance was DENIED.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted to 23 allegations of delinquent debt totaling approximately $19,300.
- Applicant's monthly expenses exceed her income by about $500, indicating ongoing financial instability.
- Despite some evidence of debt repayment, the applicant failed to demonstrate a consistent effort to resolve her financial issues.
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)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemNo evidence that counseling has helped resolve delinquent debts.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsSome efforts were made to contact creditors, but no documentation was provided.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtApplicant did not provide evidence of formally disputing debts.
- AG ¶ 20(f)notedThe Affluence Resulted From a Legal Source of Income
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 7, 2009
- Answer filedAug 7, 2009
- Hearing heldOct 20, 2009
- Decision dateNov 18, 2009
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions
- Impact of Financial Instability on Reliability and Trustworthiness for Security Clearance Eligibility