Summary
The applicant, a 31-year-old male with a history of financial difficulties due to a family business bankruptcy, sought a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). He successfully mitigated concerns by demonstrating that he had settled all delinquent debts and maintained current financial obligations, supported by evidence of financial counseling. The judge granted the security clearance based on the applicant's responsible actions and improved financial situation.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant presented a Certificate of Satisfaction showing his past-due mortgage equity line of credit in the amount of $6,000 was paid in full (1.a). He also submitted bank statements showing settlements of $32,500 for his loans (1.b). He submitted a bank statement that verified that he settled an account for $3,845 (1.c). He also submitted bank statements showing settlements of $32,500 for his loans (1.d).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant provided proof of settlement for all delinquent debts; He demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay creditors and sought financial counseling; The applicant's current employment provides him with the means to manage his finances responsibly.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided proof of settlement for all delinquent debts.
- He demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay creditors and sought financial counseling.
- The applicant's current employment provides him with the means to manage his finances responsibly.
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 Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 11, 2011
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldAugust 23, 2011 and September 9, 2011
- Decision dateSep 29, 2011
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Financial Counseling on Security Clearance Decisions