Summary
A 35-year-old alarm dispatcher was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to 38 delinquent debts totaling $27,440. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) identified specific financial allegations, including debts ranging from $210 to $3,285.
While the applicant successfully mitigated 27 of these debts, providing evidence that several were resolved or removed from her credit report, 11 debts totaling $19,115 remained unresolved. For example, one debt of $210 was resolved and removed, as was a $486 debt. Another $475 debt was resolved by returning equipment, leading to its removal from her credit report. However, for a $3,285 debt, she stated she was working with the creditor but provided no further evidence.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to provide documentation of efforts to establish payment plans or resolve the remaining 11 delinquent debts. She also failed to make any payments toward the outstanding SOR debts, indicating insufficient progress in addressing her financial issues. Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised, while mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b) and AG ¶ 20(d) were applied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not provide documentation showing attempts to establish payment plans or resolve her remaining delinquent debts.
- She failed to make any payments to address her SOR debts, demonstrating insufficient progress in resolving her financial problems.
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 That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlWhile the applicant's financial issues stemmed from unemployment and medical problems, she did not act responsibly to resolve her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not demonstrate any good-faith efforts to repay or resolve her 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 issuedApr 19, 2013
- Answer filedMay 29, 2013Applicant waived her right to a hearing.
- Hearing held—
- Decision dateOct 25, 2013
Cite For
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Debt Resolution Efforts Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Progress in Addressing Financial Obligations
- Rejection of Mitigating Conditions Due to Lack of Documentation and Good-faith Efforts