Summary
A 49-year-old project engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to unresolved financial delinquencies totaling approximately $13,106. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) specifically cited an electric bill for $397, a consumer account in collection for $6,479, and a medical debt for $126, all contributing to the total amount.
The applicant admitted to these five delinquent debts, which he attributed to his wife's gambling problem. Despite acknowledging the debts and assuming financial responsibility in 2007, he failed to demonstrate any good-faith efforts to resolve them or seek financial counseling. No payments or arrangements had been made since 2007.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to take responsibility for the debts and his lack of effort to resolve them, raising concerns about his reliability and judgment. Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised, while mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e) were considered but ultimately not sufficient to overcome the security concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to five delinquent debts totaling approximately $13,106.
- He failed to make any payments or arrangements to resolve the debts since 2007.
- The applicant attributed the debts to his wife's gambling problem but did not take responsibility for them.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedUnresolved Financial Delinquency Occurred Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant has a history of financial delinquencies that remain unresolved.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant has not acted responsibly under the circumstances despite claiming the debts were due to his wife's actions.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedEvidence of Financial Counseling or Resolution of the ProblemThe applicant has not received financial counseling and has not shown evidence of resolving his financial issues.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant has made no good-faith efforts to satisfy his delinquent debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the DebtThe applicant did not provide evidence to dispute the legitimacy of the 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 issuedMar 22, 2011
- Answer filedMar 29, 2011Applicant requested determination on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateJul 27, 2011
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Delinquencies Under Guideline F
- Applicant's Failure to Demonstrate Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Spouse's Financial Actions on Applicant's Security Eligibility Under Guideline F