Summary
The applicant, a 43-year-old divorced woman employed as a software engineer, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to a history of financial problems linked to gambling. She successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating significant improvements in her financial situation, including settling all delinquent debts and receiving counseling for her gambling issues. The administrative judge granted her security clearance, finding her current financial stability and commitment to addressing her past issues sufficient to alleviate security concerns.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: $7,426 credit card account charged-off in about December 1997. Applicant settled this account for $3,500 in March 2006 (1.a). $80 delinquent account placed for collection in about June 1999. Applicant paid this account in October 2004 (1.b). $336 delinquent account placed for collection in about April 2002. Applicant paid this account in October 2004 (1.c). Delinquent medical accounts placed for collection in 2002 or 2003 totaling $278. Applicant paid these four accounts in April 2006 (1.d). Delinquent medical accounts placed for collection in 2002 or 2003 totaling $278. Applicant paid these four accounts in April 2006 (1.e). Delinquent medical accounts placed for collection in 2002 or 2003 totaling $278. Applicant paid these four accounts in April 2006 (1.f). Delinquent medical accounts placed for collection in 2002 or 2003 totaling $278. Applicant paid these four accounts in April 2006 (1.g). $5,415 credit card account charged-off in about August 2003. Applicant settled this account for $2,707 in June 2005 (1.h). $109 delinquent account placed for collection in September 2003. Applicant paid this account in June 2005 (1.i). $341 delinquent account placed for collection in about March 2004. Applicant paid this account in October 2004 (1.j). $12,875 credit card account placed for collection in about May 1998. Applicant settled this account for $3,750 in March 2006 (1.k).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.1, F.2, F.3. The judge applied mitigating conditions F.3, F.4, F.6. The decision turned on the following: The applicant provided evidence of significant life events contributing to her financial difficulties, which were largely beyond her control; She received counseling for her gambling issues, which the counselor indicated were in sustained full remission; The applicant settled all delinquent debts and demonstrated improved financial management.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided evidence of significant life events contributing to her financial difficulties, which were largely beyond her control.
- She received counseling for her gambling issues, which the counselor indicated were in sustained full remission.
- The applicant settled all delinquent debts and demonstrated improved financial management.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.3raisedFinancial Problems That Are Linked to Gambling
- F.3appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- F.4appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- F.6appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The likelihood of continuance or recurrence of her financial problems linked to gambling is low.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 8, 2005
- Answer filedJul 1, 2005
- Hearing heldMar 6, 2006reconvened on March 9, 2006
- Decision dateAug 30, 2006
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F Related to Financial Issues
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Behavior
- Importance of Counseling in Addressing Gambling-related Financial Problems