Summary
The applicant, a 43-year-old software engineer with a history of financial difficulties, sought a security clearance under Guideline F. The decision was denied due to the applicant's failure to provide sufficient evidence of financial responsibility and resolution of debts totaling $126,344, including multiple delinquent accounts and a judgment for child support arrears.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a student loan collection account for $24,188 (1.a). a past-due utilities and fuel account for $612 (1.b). a charged-off credit card account for $680 (1.c). an August 2007 state judgment for child support arrearages in the amount of $67,531 (1.d). a past-due student loan for $3,132 (1.e). a past-due student loan for $4,630 (1.f). a past-due Veterans Administration account for $125 (1.g). a cable company collection account for $162 (1.h). a past-due student loan account for $23,264 (1.i). a utility company collection account for $258 (1.j). a cell phone collection account for $1,762 (1.k).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(d), AG ¶ 20(b). The decision turned on the following: The applicant failed to provide corroborating documentation of debt payments or financial counseling; The applicant's financial problems were substantial and unresolved, raising questions about reliability and trustworthiness; The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to address his debts or maintain contact with creditors.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to provide corroborating documentation of debt payments or financial counseling.
- The applicant's financial problems were substantial and unresolved, raising questions about reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to address his debts or maintain contact with creditors.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of a good-faith effort to resolve debts.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlWhile the applicant attributed his financial issues to a failed business, he did not provide details or evidence of responsible actions taken.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 8, 2014
- Answer filedSep 4, 2014Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
- Decision dateJun 26, 2015
Cite For
- Failure to Provide Corroborating Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Demonstration of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Financial Issues on Security Clearance Eligibility