Summary
A 38-year-old married woman with two children and a military service background was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed 13 delinquent accounts totaling over $34,000. These included various credit card debts, with one judgment received by a creditor in June 2004, and several medical accounts, some for services rendered to her second child. The earliest delinquency noted was in March 2001, and the latest in June 2007.
The judge found that the applicant had taken significant steps to address her financial issues. She enrolled in a debt consolidation plan and provided credible evidence of payments and settlements on several delinquent accounts. The applicant's financial difficulties were attributed to circumstances largely beyond her control, specifically her husband's unemployment and her child's medical issues.
Ultimately, the security clearance was granted. The decision was based on the applicant's demonstrated responsible financial behavior, her proactive approach to resolving debts, and her credible testimony and character evidence, which collectively mitigated the initial financial concerns.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a proactive approach to resolving her financial issues by enrolling in a debt consolidation plan.
- She provided credible evidence of payments and settlements on several delinquent accounts.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including her husband's unemployment and her child's medical issues.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC ¶ 19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC ¶ 19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC MC ¶ 20.aappliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- FC MC ¶ 20.bappliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control and the Individual Acted Responsibly
- FC MC ¶ 20.cappliedThe 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
- FC MC ¶ 20.dappliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 25, 2009
- Answer filedMar 3, 2009
- Hearing heldApr 6, 2009
- Decision dateJul 15, 2009
Cite For
- Proactive Approach to Debt Resolution Under Guideline F
- Mitigating Circumstances Related to Financial Difficulties
- Credibility of Applicant's Testimony and Character Evidence in Financial Cases