Summary
A 60-year-old single male employed by a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to significant delinquent debts totaling over $19,000. The Statement of Reasons detailed five specific delinquent debts: $5,000, $3,000, $4,000, $2,000, and $5,252, all of which had been due and owing for several years.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F, specifically AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c), were raised. While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), and AG ¶ 20(d) were applied, they were insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's admission of over $19,000 in delinquent debts, outstanding since at least 2010, and his failure to provide any evidence of efforts to resolve these debts or seek financial counseling. The judge concluded that the applicant's ongoing and unresolved financial difficulties raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted to having over $19,000 in delinquent debts, which have been outstanding since at least 2010.
- He provided no evidence of efforts to resolve his debts or seek financial counseling.
- The judge found that the applicant's financial difficulties were ongoing and unresolved, 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(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyApplicant's financial difficulties have been ongoing for several years.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant did not provide sufficient evidence of circumstances beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay or Resolve DebtsNo evidence was presented showing any efforts to repay or resolve debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 8, 2014
- Answer filedJan 13, 2015Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was conducted.
- Decision dateMay 9, 2016
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Efforts to Mitigate Financial Problems
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions