Summary
A technical writer for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to 16 delinquent debts totaling $32,891. These obligations included four tax liens amounting to $21,223, an additional tax lien for $3,316, and another for $5,264. Other debts included $643 for a cell phone, $487 for cable television, $250 for a medical account, $940 for a credit card, $683 and $1,505 to debt collectors, $534 to a telephone company, $1,016 for a country club debt, $87 to a debt collector for a music service, and $632 to a debt collector. The applicant also owed $31,474 on a mortgage and $2,660 on a judgment filed in 2009.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to demonstrate responsible financial management. The judge found that many of the debts remained unpaid or unresolved, and the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or resolve the obligations.
Furthermore, the applicant did not demonstrate a reasonable basis to dispute the legitimacy of the past-due debts. Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, and while some mitigating conditions were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the financial concerns, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has 16 delinquent debts totaling $32,891, many of which remain unpaid or unresolved.
- Applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or resolve debts.
- Applicant did not demonstrate a reasonable basis to dispute the legitimacy of the past-due debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(g)notedFailure to File Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns as Required
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant did not demonstrate that her unemployment had a substantial effect on her ability to repay debts.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Resolve DebtsApplicant failed to provide evidence of regular payments on debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedHas a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtApplicant did not submit sufficient evidence of disputes.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 9, 2013
- Answer filedNot specified
- Hearing heldNot applicable (decided on written record)
- Decision dateOct 28, 2013
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Financial Management Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns
- Impact of Delinquent Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility