Summary
A 59-year-old economist was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to a history of significant financial irresponsibility. The Statement of Reasons detailed approximately $34,000 in federal tax liens, judgments, collection accounts, and delinquent medical accounts. Specifically, the applicant was in a payment plan for 2008 and 2010 federal tax liens totaling about $18,000, and had other federal and state tax liens confirmed by credit reports. Additionally, a balance of $1,707.89 was scheduled for automatic deductions starting in August 2015.
Despite some efforts to address specific debts, the applicant's overall financial conduct and dismissive attitude toward creditors were key factors in the denial. The decision highlighted a consistent failure to meet financial obligations and an insufficient commitment to resolving all delinquent debts.
Ultimately, the applicant's history of financial issues and perceived lack of responsibility raised doubts about his judgment and reliability, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a history of not meeting financial obligations, including federal tax liens and medical debts.
- Applicant's attitude towards creditors is dismissive, indicating a lack of responsibility in managing debts.
- Applicant has not taken sufficient steps to resolve all delinquent debts, raising concerns about his reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsApplicant took steps toward resolving two federal tax liens and is in a payment plan for a state tax lien.
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved, or Is Under Control
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 30, 2014
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldMar 20, 2015Rescheduled from 02/20/2015
- Decision dateApr 2, 2015
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Negative Creditor Relationships on Security Clearance
- Burden of Proof on Applicant to Mitigate Financial Concerns