Summary
A 34-year-old health data systems computer operator was denied eligibility for a public trust position due to financial trustworthiness concerns under Guideline F. The applicant had 44 delinquent debts, totaling approximately $52,240, primarily stemming from medical bills and a vehicle repossession.
One specific allegation involved a co-signed apartment lease with her brother, who lost his job and abandoned the apartment. While her brother provided a letter claiming responsibility, the applicant, as co-signer, remained liable. Neither she nor her brother presented evidence of payments or attempts to resolve the dispute with the landlord.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to provide sufficient information to mitigate these financial concerns. She did not adequately address or resolve her debts, nor did she demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay them or present a reasonable plan for resolving her financial issues.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not present sufficient information to mitigate financial trustworthiness concerns.
- The applicant's financial issues included 44 delinquent debts totaling approximately $52,240, which she did not adequately address or resolve.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay her debts or provide a reasonable plan for resolving her financial issues.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurThe applicant did not establish that she acted reasonably and responsibly under the circumstances.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant failed to provide evidence of responsible actions taken to address her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not present any evidence of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant did not demonstrate a meaningful track record of debt payment.
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to sensitive information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 11, 2015
- Answer filedOct 17, 2015
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision on the record.
- Decision dateJun 27, 2016
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Trustworthiness Concerns Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating a Good-faith Effort to Resolve Debts
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Trustworthiness Determinations