Summary
A mid-twenties administrative assistant and former military member was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). These concerns arose from delinquent debts incurred following a marital separation. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) detailed several financial liabilities, including three debts totaling $5,157 each, two medical debts totaling $1,675 each, and liability for the balance owed on her estranged husband’s repossessed car. Additionally, she consistently disputed a $903 cell phone bill since 2014.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating responsible financial management. She provided documentary proof of having paid the three debts totaling $5,157 each and showed ongoing monthly payments towards the two medical debts totaling $1,675 each. She also took significant steps to reduce her expenses.
The judge found that her proactive efforts, honesty, and consistent actions to address her financial situation were sufficient to mitigate the security risks. Consequently, her security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant took significant steps to address her financial situation by reducing expenses and resolving debts.
- She provided documentary proof of payments made towards her debts and ongoing efforts to manage her finances.
- The judge found her honesty and proactive measures sufficient to mitigate security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Individuals applying for a security clearance are not required to be debt free, nor are they required to resolve all past-due debts simultaneously or even resolve the delinquent debts listed in the SOR first.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 25, 2015
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a determination based on the administrative record.
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
- Decision dateApr 27, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Responsible Financial Management as a Basis for Granting Clearance
- Consideration of Personal Circumstances in Financial Obligation Cases