Summary
A 50-year-old special police officer, who is a high school graduate, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed 18 allegations of delinquent debt, including multiple payday loans, medical debts, credit card accounts, utility and cell phone bills, rent debts, and a state tax lien. These issues raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c).
The applicant's financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond her control, specifically her husband's abandonment and the significant psychological issues of her child. However, the applicant demonstrated substantial progress in resolving her financial situation since 2009.
She established payment plans and consistently made payments on several debts, showing a good-faith effort to address her obligations. Mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e) were applied, leading to the granting of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant has made substantial progress in resolving her financial situation since 2009.
- She has established payment plans and made payments on several debts, demonstrating a good-faith effort to address her financial obligations.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including her husband's abandonment and the care of a child with psychological issues.
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(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 Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“In evaluating Guideline F cases, the Board has previously noted that the concept of ‘meaningful track record’ necessarily includes evidence of actual debt reduction through payment of debts.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 2, 2010
- Answer filedMar 24, 2010
- Hearing heldJun 9, 2010
- Decision dateOct 8, 2010
Cite For
- Mitigating Factors Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Obligations
- Evidence of Actual Debt Reduction Through Payment of Debts