Summary
A 55-year-old administrative assistant and retired Air Force master sergeant was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to approximately $31,141 in delinquent debts. The Statement of Reasons detailed six specific debts, including a $6,260 charged-off credit card debt, a $4,843 debt in collection, another charged-off debt for $3,648, a $799 department store debt in collection, a $12,154 bank debt in collection, and $3,437 in unpaid federal taxes for tax years 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Disqualifying conditions related to financial problems not under control and an unwillingness to meet financial obligations were raised. While mitigating conditions concerning the financial problems not being recent, the problems being caused by circumstances beyond the applicant's control, the applicant having initiated a good-faith effort to resolve the debts, and the applicant having received counseling were considered, they were ultimately not sufficient.
The clearance was denied because the applicant failed to provide adequate documentation to mitigate security concerns. She acknowledged multiple delinquent debts but did not demonstrate a consistent record of actions to resolve them. Her financial problems were not under control, and she did not show a desire to pay her past-due debts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to provide adequate documentation to mitigate security concerns for financial considerations under Guideline F.
- The applicant acknowledged multiple delinquent debts and did not demonstrate a consistent record of actions to resolve them.
- The applicant's financial problems were not under control, and she did not show a desire to pay her past-due debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's unpaid debts are a continuous course of conduct and thus current.
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were caused by circumstances beyond her control when she assumed her parents' debts and care.
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived or Is Receiving CounselingThe applicant provided documentation of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant has not shown a desire to pay the past-due debts or any evidence of payment of those debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 13, 2014
- Answer filedJul 10, 2014
- Hearing heldApr 2, 2015
- Decision dateApr 24, 2015
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Management of Finances Under Guideline F
- Significant Delinquent Debts as a Security Concern
- Importance of a Consistent Track Record of Debt Repayment in Security Clearance Evaluations