Summary
A 33-year-old part-time security guard was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The Statement of Reasons detailed several outstanding debts, including a $59 collection from March 2007, a $134 tuition debt from July 2006, and a $703 medical bill from November 2003. Other debts included a $538 telephone bill from January 2004, a $1,286 cable service bill from February 2007, and a $265 telephone bill.
The applicant also had a significant student loan debt of $19,221 from December 2002 and an auto repossession in August 2006 totaling $11,702. These issues raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines Paragraphs 19(a), 19(c), and 19(e).
While mitigating conditions under Paragraphs 20(a), 20(b), 20(c), and 20(d) were considered, the judge found that the applicant had a long history of financial difficulties, including multiple unpaid debts and evictions. Despite enrolling in a debt consolidation program, he did not demonstrate sufficient financial responsibility or a good-faith effort to resolve his debts, as many remained unpaid and unresolved. Consequently, the security clearance application was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of financial difficulties, including multiple unpaid debts and evictions.
- He failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his debts, as many remained unpaid and unresolved.
- The applicant's financial issues were ongoing and not mitigated by his recent enrollment in a debt consolidation program.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(e)raisedConsistent Spending Beyond One's Means
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's delinquent debts are ongoing and numerous.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlWhile the applicant faced some conditions beyond his control, he did not act responsibly in managing his finances.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant's actions to resolve debts were prompted by the SOR rather than a sense of duty.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the revised adjudicative guidelines (AG).”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 13, 2009
- Answer filedApr 21, 2009
- Hearing heldJul 28, 2009
- Decision dateAug 14, 2009
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Financial Difficulties
- Failure to Demonstrate Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Evaluation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F