Summary
The applicant, a 49-year-old single woman with a sporadic employment history, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to unresolved financial issues, including 18 delinquent debts. Despite her claims of economic hardship and efforts to seek employment, the judge found insufficient evidence of responsible financial management or attempts to resolve debts, leading to a conclusion that granting clearance was not consistent with national interest.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: delinquent mortgage loan in the amount of $29,363 (1.a). collection account for a wireless company is approximately $2,897 (1.b). collection account in the amount of $1,007 (1.c). charged off account in the amount of $782 (1.d). collection account in the amount of $247 (1.e). medical account in the amount of $181 (1.f). medical account in the amount of $162 (1.g). judgment filed by Applicant’s home owners association in the amount of $2,350 (1.h). collection account in the amount of $366 (1.i). charged off account in the amount of $1,697 (1.j). collection account in the amount of $1,512 (1.k). collection account in the amount of $2,971 (1.l). medical account in the amount of $25 (1.m). medical account in the amount of $25 (1.n). medical account in the amount of $462 (1.p). medical account in the amount of $256 (1.q). medical account in the amount of $1,249 (1.r).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions FC DC AG ¶ 19(a), FC DC AG ¶ 19(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has 18 unresolved delinquent debts, including a past-due mortgage and medical bills; She has not made any payments on her mortgage since 2013 and has not provided evidence of resolving any debts; The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or to seek financial counseling.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has 18 unresolved delinquent debts, including a past-due mortgage and medical bills.
- She has not made any payments on her mortgage since 2013 and has not provided evidence of resolving any debts.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or to seek financial counseling.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 13, 2015
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldJan 28, 2016
- Decision dateMay 17, 2016Decision vacated and reissued.
Cite For
- Denial Based on Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Financial Responsibility for Security Clearance
- Impact of Economic Hardship on Financial Obligations and Security Clearance Eligibility