Summary
A 39-year-old information technology specialist was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations regarding multiple delinquent debts totaling $83,721, including two judgments for $48,071 and $29,038, and $6,612 in delinquent mortgage interest. These issues raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 19(a) and ¶ 19(c).
The applicant demonstrated proactive efforts to address these financial challenges. For the $48,071 judgment, he planned to initiate a payment plan or use proceeds from real estate liquidation. Regarding the $6,612 delinquent mortgage interest on a $349,875 mortgage, he sought a loan modification. For the $29,038 judgment, he was working directly with the bank's collection department to establish a repayment plan or resolve it through real estate liquidation, aiming to begin repayment in October 2010.
The decision to grant clearance was based on several mitigating factors, including AG ¶ 20(a), ¶ 20(b), and ¶ 20(d). The applicant made significant progress in resolving most delinquent debts by 2010, maintained communication with creditors, and attempted to establish payment plans. His financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond his control, such as unemployment and a real estate downturn.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant made significant progress in resolving most of his delinquent debts by 2010.
- He maintained communication with creditors and attempted to establish payment plans.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as unemployment and a real estate downturn.
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(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 11, 2012
- Answer filedFeb 9, 2012
- Hearing heldApr 24, 2012
- Decision dateMay 31, 2012
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond the Applicant's Control
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts