Summary
The applicant, a 32-year-old single mother of three, sought a public trust position but was denied due to significant unresolved financial issues under Guideline F. Despite some payments on certain debts, the applicant's overall financial situation was deemed unstable, with a lack of a clear plan for debt resolution and ongoing financial stress exacerbated by medical leave from work.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Judgment obtained against Applicant in the amount of $1,398 (1.a). Debt in the amount of $613 (1.b). Debt in the amount of $438, which has been paid (1.c). Medical debt in the amount of $218, disputed by Applicant (1.d). Debt in the amount of $205 (1.e). Debt in the amount of $304 (1.f). Debt in the amount of $1,283 (1.g). Cell phone debt in the amount of $1,285 (1.h). Cable bill in the amount of $788, incurred by her brother (1.i). Debt in the amount of $173 (1.j). Debt in the amount of $137 (1.k). Debt in the amount of $1,768 (1.l). Debt in the amount of $12,806 (1.m). Debt in the amount of $963, believed to be the same as federal education debts (1.n). Debt in the amount of $3,338 (1.o). Debt in the amount of $4,775, believed to be the same as the judgment in 1.a (1.p). Federal education loan with a balance due of $2,017, currently in good standing (1.q). Federal education loan with a balance due of $614, currently in good standing (1.r). Debt in the amount of $100 (1.s). Debt in the amount of $378 (1.t). Debt in the amount of $3,144 (1.u).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.1.a, F.1.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions F.2.a, F.2.b, F.2.d, F.2.e. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has a history of significant financial problems, including unresolved debts totaling approximately $37,000; The applicant has not received financial counseling and lacks a clear plan to resolve her debts; The applicant's financial issues are ongoing and have worsened due to her recent unpaid medical leave.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of significant financial problems, including unresolved debts totaling approximately $37,000.
- The applicant has not received financial counseling and lacks a clear plan to resolve her debts.
- The applicant's financial issues are ongoing and have worsened due to her recent unpaid medical leave.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.aappliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.cappliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2.arejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- F.2.bappliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- F.2.dappliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- F.2.eappliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 2, 2014
- Answer filedApr 24, 2014
- Hearing heldJun 10, 2014
- Decision dateJul 15, 2014
Cite For
- Evaluation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Ongoing Financial Issues on Trustworthiness Determinations
- Importance of a Clear Plan for Debt Resolution in Security Clearance Cases