Summary
A 40-year-old security officer for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to unresolved financial issues. The applicant had accumulated 26 delinquent debts totaling over $14,000, with most being medical accounts that remained outstanding. While the applicant admitted to the majority of these debts, she disputed two specific medical debts, each over $4,000, claiming she never received the hospital procedures that would justify the charges.
The applicant attributed her financial difficulties to a divorce and chronic health issues. However, the decision noted that she failed to provide sufficient documentation of her efforts to resolve these debts or to demonstrate her current financial status. Her disputes regarding certain debts were not adequately substantiated, and any payments made did not address the specific debts listed in the Statement of Reasons.
Ultimately, the applicant was found not to have mitigated the security concerns raised by her financial situation. The security clearance was therefore denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant accumulated 26 delinquent debts exceeding $14,000, primarily medical accounts, which remain outstanding.
- The applicant provided insufficient documentation to demonstrate her efforts to resolve her debts or her current financial status.
- The applicant's disputes regarding some debts were not adequately substantiated, and her payments did not address the debts listed in the SOR.
Conditions Referenced
- DC ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- DC ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- MC ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- MC ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- MC ¶ 20(e)rejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant's disputes regarding debts were not sufficiently documented.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The burden of proof is on the applicant to establish that the granting of a security clearance is clearly consistent with the national interest."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 17, 2015
- Answer filedAug 31, 2015Applicant elected to have her case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on the written record.
- Decision dateJan 28, 2016
Cite For
- Failure to Provide Sufficient Documentation of Financial Status Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Disputes Regarding Debts Must Be Adequately Substantiated to Mitigate Security Concerns