Summary
A 36-year-old single male defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to unresolved financial issues totaling approximately $16,478. The judge determined that the applicant's long-standing financial difficulties and lack of demonstrated responsible financial behavior or efforts to resolve debts raised significant concerns regarding his reliability and trustworthiness.
The Statement of Reasons detailed six specific unresolved debts. These included a state tax lien from 2009 for $771, a 2006 judgment for $6,694 related to an automobile repossession, and a second repossessed automobile debt from approximately 2009 for $8,715. Additionally, three medical debts, incurred in 2013, 2011, and 2007, for $62, $136, and $100 respectively, also remained unresolved.
The denial was based on the applicant's admission to all six delinquent debts, none of which had been resolved. The applicant failed to provide any evidence of financial counseling or efforts to repay these debts, which had persisted for several years without resolution.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to six delinquent debts totaling approximately $16,478, all of which remained unresolved.
- The applicant provided no evidence of financial counseling or efforts to repay debts.
- The applicant's financial issues have persisted for several years without resolution.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial difficulties have existed since at least 2006 and remain unresolved.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not provide evidence of responsible actions taken after obtaining employment.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant submitted no evidence of payment arrangements or payments made.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the DebtThe applicant did not contest the debts listed in the SOR.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedClear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under ControlThe applicant's financial situation remains unresolved.
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 issuedMar 17, 2014
- Answer filedApr 11, 2014
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Decision dateNov 14, 2014
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Responsible Financial Behavior for Security Clearance Eligibility
- Impact of Long-standing Financial Difficulties on Trustworthiness Assessments