Summary
A 43-year-old security guard for a federal contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to significant and ongoing financial issues. The applicant faced allegations including an outstanding state tax lien from March 2009 for $5,982, approximately $30,000 in delinquent consumer credit debt, and $6,900 owed to the IRS. Additional debts included $6,600 for a timeshare loan, a $512 delinquent hospital debt, and a $794 telephone debt in collection. The applicant was also behind on electric utility payments.
Disqualifying conditions F.3 and F.2 were raised, indicating a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. While mitigating conditions F.4 and F.3 were applied, suggesting some efforts to resolve debts or that financial difficulties were largely beyond the applicant's control, these were ultimately insufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's substantial delinquent consumer credit debt and tax liabilities totaling $12,882. The applicant's failure to make payments on several debts, including to the IRS and a timeshare loan, demonstrated a pattern of financial irresponsibility. Although some financial struggles were attributed to circumstances beyond his control, these only partially explained the overall situation, leading to the conclusion that the applicant posed a risk to national security.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has approximately $30,000 in delinquent consumer credit debt and $12,882 in tax liabilities.
- He failed to make payments on several debts, including missed payments to the IRS and a timeshare loan.
- Circumstances beyond his control only partially explained his financial struggles.
Conditions Referenced
- F.3raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F.2raisedDelinquent Debts
- F.4rejectedDebt Repayment EffortsThe applicant's efforts to repay debts were insufficient to mitigate the financial concerns.
- F.3rejectedFinancial Difficulties Due to Circumstances Beyond ControlThe judge found that the applicant's financial difficulties were not fully attributable to circumstances beyond his control.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 20, 2010
- Answer filedAug 22, 2010
- Hearing heldDec 16, 2010
- Decision dateMay 25, 2011
Cite For
- Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Delinquent Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Demonstrating Financial Responsibility for Security Clearance Applicants