Summary
A 32-year-old information technology engineer and former Army National Guard member was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to unresolved financial issues. The applicant admitted to 21 continuing delinquent debts, totaling approximately $23,396. These debts included an apartment lease account for which he indicated an unspecified settlement offer of $334.
Despite acknowledging his financial obligations, the applicant provided no evidence of making payments or arrangements with his creditors. This lack of demonstrated effort to mitigate his financial concerns led to the conclusion that he lacked reliability and good judgment.
The decision cited disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guideline (AG) ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c). While mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d) were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the concerns. Ultimately, the applicant failed to demonstrate that his financial problems were under control, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted to 21 continuing delinquent debts totaling approximately $23,396.
- He provided no evidence of making payments or arrangements with creditors.
- Applicant failed to demonstrate that his financial problems are under control.
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 That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant's financial issues were attributed to circumstances such as unemployment and health issues.
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedEvidence of Financial Counseling
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
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 issuedJul 24, 2014
- Answer filedAug 26, 2014Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateApr 29, 2015
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Security Clearance Eligibility