Summary
The applicant, a 39-year-old federal contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to financial difficulties stemming from a medical emergency and subsequent unemployment. He demonstrated responsible financial behavior by establishing payment plans for his debts and maintaining a budget with his wife. The judge found that the applicant mitigated the government's concerns and granted his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The debts in SOR ¶¶ 1.a through 1.c ($3,753, $1,734, $5,982) are the medical debts Applicant incurred in October 2010 for his hospitalization (1.a). The debts in SOR ¶¶ 1.a through 1.c ($3,753, $1,734, $5,982) are the medical debts Applicant incurred in October 2010 for his hospitalization (1.b). The debts in SOR ¶¶ 1.a through 1.c ($3,753, $1,734, $5,982) are the medical debts Applicant incurred in October 2010 for his hospitalization (1.c). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.d ($10,438) is for a credit card (1.d). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.e ($2,036) is for a credit card Applicant used to help supplement living expenses when he was unemployed (1.e). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.f ($5,556) is a credit card debt (1.f). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.g ($9,177) is a credit card debt (1.g).
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(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts; He provided evidence of consistent payments towards his delinquent debts and a realistic plan to address them; The financial difficulties were largely beyond his control, including a medical emergency and unemployment.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts.
- He provided evidence of consistent payments towards his delinquent debts and a realistic plan to address them.
- The financial difficulties were largely beyond his control, including a medical emergency and unemployment.
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 Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe 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
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe 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 issuedDec 19, 2012
- Answer filedJan 5, 2013
- Hearing heldFeb 20, 2013via video teleconference
- Decision dateMar 12, 2013
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Uncontrollable Circumstances on Financial Obligations