Summary
The applicant, a 35-year-old supply chain specialist, sought a security clearance under Guideline F due to a history of financial problems stemming from a troubled marriage. After separating and divorcing her husband, she initiated efforts to resolve her debts and demonstrated financial responsibility. The judge found sufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns, resulting in a granted decision.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The debt in SOR ¶ 1.a concerns an unpaid judgment for $9,284 (1.a). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.b concerns a charged-off account for $5,140 (1.b). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.c is a charged-off account for $8,230 (1.c). The debts in SOR ¶¶ 1.d and 1.e are medical collection accounts for $49 and $73 (1.d). The debts in SOR ¶¶ 1.d and 1.e are medical collection accounts for $49 and $73 (1.e).
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), AG ¶ 20(e). The decision turned on the following: The applicant initiated a good-faith effort to repay, settle, or resolve her debts after her divorce; She credibly disputed certain debts and provided evidence of living within her means; The financial problems were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, specifically her husband's control over financial matters.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant initiated a good-faith effort to repay, settle, or resolve her debts after her divorce.
- She credibly disputed certain debts and provided evidence of living within her means.
- The financial problems were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, specifically her husband's control over financial matters.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant has a history of excessive indebtedness.
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant has a history of not meeting financial obligations.
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe financial problems were largely beyond the applicant's control due to her troubled marriage.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant has taken steps to repay debts and stabilize her financial situation.
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant provided a reasonable basis to dispute the legitimacy of certain debts.
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 issuedAug 1, 2010
- Answer filedAug 1, 2010
- Hearing heldFeb 23, 2011
- Decision dateMay 17, 2011
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F for Financial Considerations
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Responsibility
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts as a Mitigating Factor