Summary
The applicant, a 39-year-old administrative assistant for a defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to financial difficulties stemming from caring for ill parents and other personal hardships. Despite a history of delinquent debts, the applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve her financial issues through payment plans and credit counseling, leading to a favorable decision for security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a judgment for a department store of $359 (1.a). a utility debt in collection for $1,751 (1.b). a television service account placed for collection for $671 (1.c). another collection account for $197 (1.d). a television cable account placed for collection for $346 (1.e). a cell phone account placed for collection for $311 (1.f). a store debt placed for collection for $35 (1.g). a credit card debt placed for collection for $606 (1.h). a credit card account placed for collection for $620 (1.i). a rent account placed for collection for $7,014 (1.j). another rent account to the same company placed for collection for $3,671 (1.k). a veterinary debt placed for collection for $1,061 (1.l). a cell phone account placed for collection for $850 (1.m). a debt to the state placed for collection for $469 (1.n). a cell phone debt placed for collection for $475 (1.o). a car insurance debt placed for collection for $561 (1.p).
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(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant provided evidence of a good-faith effort to repay debts and resolve financial issues; The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, such as caring for ill parents and experiencing a fire; The applicant demonstrated responsible financial management and a meaningful track record of debt payments.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided evidence of a good-faith effort to repay debts and resolve financial issues.
- The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, such as caring for ill parents and experiencing a fire.
- The applicant demonstrated responsible financial management and a meaningful track record of debt payments.
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 Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe 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
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 11, 2009
- Answer filedJun 5, 2009
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateSep 14, 2009
Cite For
- Good-faith Effort to Resolve Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Mitigating Circumstances Due to Personal Hardships
- Responsible Financial Management Leading to Favorable Security Clearance Outcomes