Summary
This security clearance decision, made under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), resulted in a GRANTED clearance for a 43-year-old single mother with a master's degree. Her financial challenges stemmed primarily from external factors such as employment instability and medical expenses, which at one point led to homelessness.
The Statement of Reasons detailed several financial allegations. These included a $10,697 car repossession from 2005, for which a $250 monthly payment plan was established in October 2010 and was current. Other outstanding debts included a $575 utility bill and a $235 medical bill. Two credit card debts, for $1,039 and $738, had $125 monthly payments initiated in May and June 2012, respectively. A $35,500 student loan was in forbearance until April 2013. The applicant successfully disputed a $1,097 unknown charge, which was resolved in her favor after a fraud report and creditor investigation, and a $316 phone account. A $261 credit card was paid as of October 2012, and another $352 credit card debt was paid down to $223.
The clearance was granted because the applicant's financial difficulties were largely beyond her control. She demonstrated significant progress in addressing her delinquencies by satisfying debts, establishing payment plans, and exhibiting responsible financial behavior and a commitment to resolution. The judge found her efforts indicative of reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including medical issues and employment instability.
- She has made significant progress in addressing her financial delinquencies, including satisfying debts and establishing payment plans.
- The applicant has demonstrated responsible financial behavior and a commitment to resolving her debts.
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(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- 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(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
Key rule quoted
“"The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration."”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 4, 2012
- Answer filedJun 14, 2012
- Hearing heldOct 22, 2012
- Decision dateNov 27, 2012
Cite for
- Mitigating Circumstances Under Guideline F Due to External Factors
- Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues
- Whole-person Concept Applied in Financial Considerations Cases