Summary
A 34-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to unresolved financial issues totaling approximately $29,327 across eight creditors. The Statement of Reasons detailed several delinquent accounts, including a vacation timeshare, multiple cell phone accounts, a federal government debt, a judgment, a collection account, and a significant child support obligation. These debts had been delinquent for various periods, some dating back to 2008.
The applicant claimed to be resolving or to have resolved some of these debts, or stated an inability to contact a creditor, or did not recognize a debt. However, he failed to provide any supporting documentation for these claims, such as proof of payments, disputes, or efforts to contact creditors. One debt was alleged to be a duplicate, but credit reports indicated it was a separate account.
The judge found insufficient evidence of the applicant's efforts to mitigate these financial concerns, noting the applicant's failure to provide documentation of payments or to seek financial counseling. The unresolved debts and lack of demonstrated mitigation efforts led to a determination that the applicant's financial irresponsibility raised significant questions about his reliability and trustworthiness, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved debts totaling approximately $29,327, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of efforts to resolve his debts or seek financial counseling.
- The applicant's financial issues raise concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
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 issuedMar 5, 2015
- Answer filedJun 27, 2015Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateFeb 10, 2016
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Insufficient Evidence of Debt Resolution Efforts
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Security Clearance Eligibility