Summary
The applicant, a 44-year-old ground safety analyst with a history of financial difficulties, sought a security clearance under Guideline F. The applicant admitted to several delinquent debts primarily resulting from personal circumstances, including two divorces and a significant salary reduction. The judge found that the applicant had taken responsible steps to manage her debts, including negotiating payment plans and having some debts forgiven, ultimately granting her eligibility for a security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a credit card debt charged off for $12,353 (1.a). two credit card debts to the same creditor charged off for $9,438 (1.b). two credit card debts to the same creditor charged off for $8,884 (1.c). another credit card debt charged off by a different bank creditor for $6,968 (1.d). a bank credit card debt in collection for $6,346 (1.e). another credit card debt in collection for $2,664 (1.f).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay her debts and manage her finances responsibly; The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, such as divorce and employment issues; The applicant is current on payment plans for her remaining debts and has resolved several delinquent accounts.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay her debts and manage her finances responsibly.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, such as divorce and employment issues.
- The applicant is current on payment plans for her remaining debts and has resolved several delinquent accounts.
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 Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 31, 2015
- Answer filedMar 24, 2015
- Hearing heldJul 31, 2015
- Decision dateOct 5, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts in Debt Repayment
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations