Summary
A 46-year-old federal contractor and former USAF member was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to significant delinquent debts. The Statement of Reasons detailed several outstanding financial obligations, including a mortgage debt of $27,032, part of a total balance of $265,298, and a government debt subject to garnishment for $24,978. Additional collection accounts included debts of $610, $1,504, and $427 for a phone account.
The applicant admitted to these debts, which totaled over $50,000. Disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guideline (AG) ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised. While mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d) were applied, they were insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to provide evidence of debt resolution or a repayment plan. His claims regarding the debts were unsupported by documentation, and he did not demonstrate responsible financial behavior, leading to the denial of his security clearance despite his long service and previous clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to significant delinquent debts, including a past-due mortgage and multiple collection accounts.
- He did not provide documentation to show that any debts were resolved or that he had a repayment plan in place.
- The applicant's claims regarding his debts were unsupported by evidence, and he did not demonstrate responsible financial behavior.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control and the Individual Acted Responsibly Under the Circumstances
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe 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
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 27, 2015
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a review based on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateMay 31, 2016
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Debt Resolution or Financial Responsibility
- Impact of Financial Considerations on Security Clearance Eligibility