Summary
The applicant, a 32-year-old network engineer for a DOD contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to financial issues, including significant debts totaling approximately $49,742. The applicant demonstrated a commitment to resolving these debts through a structured payment plan and positive financial changes, leading to the granting of his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The $2,000 debt in SOR ¶ 1.a had been sold or transferred and that the original creditor, as listed in SOR ¶ 1.a, listed the account as closed with a zero balance (1.a). The August 7, 2013 credit report indicated that the collection agency in SOR ¶ 1.b ($4,150) purchased this debt (1.b). The $23,186 debt alleged in SOR ¶ 1.c and the $10,267 debt alleged in SOR ¶ 1.d are for two vehicle repossessions (1.c). The $10,267 debt alleged in SOR ¶ 1.d are for two vehicle repossessions (1.d). SOR ¶¶ 1.a, 1.b, and 1.e are the same debt (1.e). The $1,370 debt alleged in SOR ¶ 1.f had been paid in 2007 (1.f). The creditor for the medical debts identified in SOR ¶¶ 1.g ($564) and 1.h ($147) (1.g). The creditor for the medical debts identified in SOR ¶¶ 1.g ($564) and 1.h ($147) (1.h). The debts in SOR ¶¶ 1.i ($725) and 1.k ($938) are also held by the collection agency identified in SOR ¶ 1.b (1.i). The collection agency for the debt in SOR ¶ 1.j ($2,317) advised Applicant that it was deleting the debt from the credit reports (1.j). The debts in SOR ¶¶ 1.i ($725) and 1.k ($938) are also held by the collection agency identified in SOR ¶ 1.b (1.k).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.1.a, F.1.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions F.2.c, F.2.d. The decision turned on the following: The applicant developed a structured payment plan to address his debts, demonstrating a good-faith effort to resolve financial issues; He has taken positive steps to manage his finances, including moving in with his parents to reduce living expenses; The applicant's income is sufficient to meet monthly expenses and contribute towards debt repayment.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant developed a structured payment plan to address his debts, demonstrating a good-faith effort to resolve financial issues.
- He has taken positive steps to manage his finances, including moving in with his parents to reduce living expenses.
- The applicant's income is sufficient to meet monthly expenses and contribute towards debt repayment.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2.cappliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- F.2.dappliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 29, 2013
- Answer filedApr 30, 2013
- Hearing heldAug 29, 2013
- Decision dateSep 20, 2013Record closed on this date.
Cite For
- Demonstrating a Structured Payment Plan for Debt Resolution Under Guideline F
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Financial Cases
- The Importance of Positive Financial Changes in Mitigating Security Concerns