Summary
The applicant, a 33-year-old lead claims processor for a DOD contractor, faced trustworthiness concerns under Guideline F due to financial issues stemming from her divorce. Despite a significant judgment against her, the applicant demonstrated responsible financial management and a commitment to resolving her debts, leading to a favorable decision for security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: A judgment entered against her and her former husband is not resolved in the amount of $76,622 (1.a). Applicant contacted the credit collection company for the $589 telephone debt. The creditor accepted a settlement offer of $236, which Applicant paid on March 26, 2014 (1.b). Applicant contacted the medical provider for allegations 1.c ($184) and 1.d ($111). They agreed that she would pay $266 to resolve both debts, which she did on April 1, 2014 (1.c). Applicant contacted the medical provider for allegations 1.c ($184) and 1.d ($111). They agreed that she would pay $266 to resolve both debts, which she did on April 1, 2014 (1.d). Applicant contacted the credit collection company identified in allegation 1.e ($889) and reached an agreement to resolve the debt for $700. She made several payments between March 2014 and June 2014, which fully resolved the debt (1.e).
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 acted responsibly in managing her finances after her divorce; She demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve her debts, including settling smaller obligations; The applicant's financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, such as her former husband's failure to pay debts.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant acted responsibly in managing her finances after her divorce.
- She demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve her debts, including settling smaller obligations.
- The applicant's financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, such as her former husband's failure to pay 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 Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedEvidence of Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 10, 2014
- Answer filedApr 9, 2014Requested decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateAug 22, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Responsibility