Summary
This case concerns a 32-year-old single mother and former U.S. Navy service member seeking to renew her security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons alleged multiple delinquent debts, including a failure to file a 2012 federal tax return and unpaid 2010 federal taxes. Additional allegations included a charged-off auto financing debt, several small collection accounts or charge-offs, a small public utility debt, a small insurance company debt, and a small medical debt. These issues raised disqualifying conditions F.19(a), F.19(c), and F.19(g).
However, the applicant demonstrated significant efforts to resolve her financial issues. She filed delinquent tax returns and paid off outstanding debts. The judge also considered her stable employment and positive work performance, which enhanced her credibility. Her personal circumstances, including being a single mother and her prior military service, were also viewed favorably.
Ultimately, the judge found that the applicant had successfully mitigated the security concerns. Mitigating conditions F.20(a), F.20(b), F.20(c), and F.20(d) were applied, and her eligibility for access to classified information was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated significant efforts to resolve her financial issues, including filing delinquent tax returns and paying off debts.
- She provided evidence of her stable employment and positive performance at work, which contributed to her credibility.
- The applicant's circumstances, including being a single mother and her previous military service, were considered in her favor.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.19(g)raisedFailure to File Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns as Required
- F.20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- F.20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- F.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 or Is Under Control
- F.20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 4, 2015
- Answer filedSep 22, 2015
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMay 12, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations
- Significant Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues as a Basis for Granting Clearance