Summary
A 38-year-old financial specialist and single mother was initially subject to security concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to delinquent debts totaling $13,560. The Statement of Reasons detailed eight specific debts, including three medical debts, two telephone debts, and three credit card debts, ranging from $60 to $5,756. These allegations raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines Paragraphs 19(a) and 19(c).
However, the applicant demonstrated significant financial improvement and a systematic approach to resolving her financial issues. She provided evidence of paying off six of the eight delinquent debts and establishing payment plans for the remaining two. Her financial circumstances improved, enabling her to manage her debts effectively.
Furthermore, the applicant sought credit counseling and implemented a debt management plan, demonstrating a commitment to resolving her financial issues. These actions led to the application of mitigating conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines Paragraphs 20(a), 20(b), 20(c), and 20(d). Consequently, her security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided evidence of a systematic approach to resolving her debts, including paying off six of the eight delinquent debts.
- The applicant's financial circumstances improved significantly, allowing her to manage her debts effectively.
- The applicant sought credit counseling and established a debt management plan, demonstrating a commitment to resolving her financial issues.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions 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
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 8, 2009
- Answer filedOct 14, 2009
- Hearing heldDec 10, 2009Applicant waived the 15 days notice requirement.
- Decision dateJan 29, 2010
Cite For
- Demonstrating a Systematic Approach to Debt Resolution Under Guideline F
- Mitigating Financial Concerns Through Evidence of Payment Plans and Counseling
- Establishing a Meaningful Track Record of Debt Repayment