Summary
The applicant, a 51-year-old defense contractor with a long history of holding a security clearance, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to significant unresolved financial debts totaling approximately $88,300. Despite some evidence of family medical issues contributing to her financial difficulties, the applicant failed to demonstrate responsible behavior in managing her debts, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The delinquent debts alleged in SOR ¶ 1.a are medical accounts in the amounts of $787 (1.a). The delinquent debts alleged in SOR ¶ 1.b are medical accounts in the amounts of $583 (1.b). The delinquent debts alleged in SOR ¶ 1.c are credit card accounts in the amounts of $30,937 (1.c). The delinquent debts alleged in SOR ¶ 1.d are credit card accounts in the amounts of $55,091 (1.d). The delinquent debts alleged in SOR ¶ 1.e are medical accounts in the amounts of $906 (1.e).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(e). The decision turned on the following: Applicant has unresolved delinquent debts totaling approximately $88,300; Insufficient evidence was provided to demonstrate responsible behavior in managing financial obligations; The applicant did not show a good-faith effort to resolve her debts, leading to questions about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has unresolved delinquent debts totaling approximately $88,300.
- Insufficient evidence was provided to demonstrate responsible behavior in managing financial obligations.
- The applicant did not show a good-faith effort to resolve her debts, leading to questions about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant provided evidence of family medical issues contributing to her financial problems.
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemApplicant indicated informal contact with a debt counseling service.
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtApplicant documented her dispute concerning one debt.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 5, 2012
- Answer filedJan 15, 2013
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateAug 7, 2013
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Financial Management Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Family Medical Issues in Financial Assessments