Summary
A 45-year-old former Marine Corps member was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). These concerns arose from several delinquent accounts, which the applicant attributed to job loss and medical issues.
Specifically, the applicant had a $1,640 collection account settled in 2012, and a $39,764 collection account that became delinquent in 2009, settled in 2013, with a current balance of $36,385. A delinquent mortgage loan of $65,455 was made current through a loan modification. Additionally, a $6,204 charged-off credit card account from 2009 belonged to his wife, for which he was not legally liable. He also had an unpaid line of credit with a credit union due to financial hardship, and he is no longer a member.
The clearance was granted because the applicant proactively addressed all delinquent debts, providing documentation of payment plans. He demonstrated that his financial difficulties stemmed from circumstances beyond his control, such as job loss and medical issues. His consistent payment history and communication with creditors supported a finding of reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant addressed all delinquent debts and provided documentation of payment plans.
- He demonstrated that financial difficulties were due to circumstances beyond his control, such as job loss and medical issues.
- The applicant's proactive communication with creditors and consistent payment history supported his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC MC AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- FC MC AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- FC MC AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- FC MC AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate burden of persuasion is on the applicant seeking a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 25, 2014
- Answer filed—timely answered the SOR
- Hearing held—review based on written record
- Decision dateJul 10, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Proactive Efforts to Resolve Debts as a Factor in Security Clearance Decisions
- Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility