Summary
A 40-year-old single mother, employed in a CA III position since 2001, was denied eligibility for a public trust position due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant faced concerns stemming from 30 delinquent accounts totaling over $36,848. These financial issues were the sole basis for the Statement of Reasons, with allegations 1.a through 1.e all citing the same 30 delinquent accounts and total debt.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F, specifically AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c), were raised. While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d) were applied, they were insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of financial problems, evidenced by the 30 delinquent accounts. Crucially, no evidence was provided to show that any of these debts had been paid or settled, nor did the applicant present a viable plan to resolve her outstanding financial obligations. This lack of demonstrated resolution or a clear path forward led to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a lengthy history of financial problems, with 30 delinquent accounts totaling over $36,848.
- No evidence was presented showing that any debts had been paid or settled.
- Applicant failed to demonstrate a plan to resolve her delinquent debts, casting doubt on her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Failing to Meet Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe large number of accounts that became delinquent between 2002 and 2008 does not support this condition.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlApplicant provided no evidence of unforeseen events preventing her from paying her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemApplicant has not had financial counseling and has not shown improvement.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThere is no evidence showing that any debts have been paid or settled.
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 issuedOct 9, 2009
- Answer filedOct 28, 2009Applicant requested a decision on the record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held; decision made on the record.
- Decision dateMar 30, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Eligibility Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Debt Resolution Efforts
- Impact of Financial History on Trustworthiness Assessments