Summary
The applicant, a pro se individual, sought a security clearance under Guideline F concerning financial considerations. The applicant admitted to various debts but demonstrated a good-faith effort to address them, citing personal hardships that contributed to her financial difficulties. The judge granted the security clearance, finding that the applicant had mitigated the security concerns.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The Applicant filed for the protection of a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in October of 1999, and complied with its payment provisions (1.a). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor B in the amount of about $123 (1.b). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor C in the amount of about $100 (1.c). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor D in the amount of about $76 (1.d). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor E in the amount of about $100 (1.e). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor F in the amount of about $377 (1.f). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor G in the amount of about $1,710 (1.g). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor H in the amount of about $813 (1.h). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor I in the amount of about $4,998 (1.i). It is alleged that the Applicant is indebted to Creditor J in the amount of about $22,703, for college loans for her daughter (1.j).
The judge granted 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 demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors; Personal hardships, including the deaths of family members and unemployment, contributed to her financial difficulties; The applicant received strong character references from family, friends, and colleagues.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors.
- Personal hardships, including the deaths of family members and unemployment, contributed to her financial difficulties.
- The applicant received strong character references from family, friends, and colleagues.
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
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 27, 2009
- Answer filedSep 28, 2009
- Hearing heldJan 28, 2010
- Decision dateMay 12, 2010
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Personal Hardships
- Good-faith Efforts to Repay Debts as a Mitigating Factor
- Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility