Summary
A 40-year-old defense contractor, holding a Top Secret clearance since 2004, was denied continued security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant had accumulated over $52,000 in unresolved delinquent debts over the past five years, triggering concerns under Disqualifying Conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c).
Specific allegations included an unpaid debt (SOR ¶ 1.a), a debt being resolved on terms unlikely to be met during his lifetime (SOR ¶ 1.c), and a $133 delinquent medical bill from May 2009 for one of his twins (SOR ¶ 1.d). While some progress was made in resolving other debts, the applicant failed to present a viable plan for addressing the remaining significant debt or demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility.
Despite the application of Mitigating Conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e), the denial was based on the applicant's failure to provide an effective plan to resolve his debts, prevent future financial irresponsibility, or demonstrate overall financial stability and responsible conduct.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has over $52,000 in unresolved delinquent debts.
- He did not provide evidence of an effective plan to resolve his debts or prevent future financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate financial stability or responsible conduct in managing his debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not demonstrate that his financial problems arose from circumstances beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Is Receiving CounselingThe applicant provided no evidence of financial counseling or that his financial problems are under control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant's efforts to resolve debts were insufficient to mitigate security concerns.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute Legitimacy of DebtsThe applicant failed to provide proof to dispute the legitimacy of the debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 14, 2012
- Answer filedJan 17, 2013Applicant requested a decision based on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateJun 6, 2013
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Financial Stability
- Insufficient Mitigation of Security Concerns Due to Unresolved Debts