Summary
A 56-year-old military veteran and single mother was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) detailed several debts, including $232 owed to a telephone company, $1,257 for cell phones, and a $330 debt over ten years old. Additionally, the applicant had cosigned a $13,340 car loan in June 2007 and did not recognize a $476 debt, though she acknowledged a past account with the creditor.
The applicant provided credible testimony and demonstrated responsible financial behavior. She maintained a detailed budget and was current on all monthly expenses and bills. She also indicated that she had paid a $571 credit card debt and was actively disputing the remaining debt on her credit report.
The judge found that the applicant had successfully mitigated the security concerns. Disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 19(a) and ¶ 19(c) were overcome by mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 20(b), ¶ 20(c), ¶ 20(d), and ¶ 20(e). As a result, eligibility for a security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided credible testimony regarding her financial situation and efforts to resolve debts.
- She maintained a detailed budget and is current on all monthly expenses and bills.
- Only one debt remains on her credit report, which she is actively disputing.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 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
- 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
“The Government does not require applicants to be debt-free or that all of their debts must be completely paid, but rather an applicant must show they are acting responsibly and their conduct does not raise questions about their reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 18, 2015
- Answer filedAug 24, 2015
- Hearing heldNov 17, 2015
- Decision dateDec 4, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions
- The Importance of Credible Testimony in Establishing Financial Responsibility