Summary
A 46-year-old computer software analyst sought to maintain her security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) despite having 11 collection and past-due accounts totaling approximately $23,000. The Statement of Reasons detailed these financial obligations, including a $4,183 credit card debt settled for $2,850, a $6,651 bank account debt settled for $2,660.47, and an $8,780 collection account for central air conditioning, all of which were paid. Other paid debts included several medical service collection accounts ranging from $58 to $190, and a $1,425 department store charged-off account paid through monthly installments.
The applicant is currently making $25 monthly payments on a $1,650 medical account. Two smaller medical-related debts, one for $200 and another for $165, were disputed or unlocatable by the applicant.
The judge granted the security clearance, finding that the applicant had demonstrated responsible financial behavior by making consistent payments and resolving the majority of her obligations. The financial issues were largely attributed to circumstances beyond her control, specifically a divorce and medical expenses, which were considered mitigating factors. The judge concluded that the applicant's current financial situation did not raise concerns about her reliability or trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant has made consistent payments on her debts and has resolved the majority of her financial obligations.
- The financial issues were largely due to her divorce and circumstances beyond her control, which the judge found mitigating.
- The applicant's current financial situation does not raise concerns about her reliability or trustworthiness.
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 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
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 issuedMay 2, 2011
- Answer filedJun 1, 2011
- Hearing heldAug 31, 2011
- Decision dateOct 17, 2011
Cite For
- Mitigating Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Reliability