Summary
A 60-year-old medical claims processor for a federal contractor was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant faced concerns regarding numerous outstanding debts and a lack of demonstrated action to resolve them.
The Statement of Reasons detailed several specific debts, including a medical provider debt from September 2000, a $200 emergency room bill from July 2001, and an apartment complex debt of $2,486. Other listed debts included amounts for cell phone services, cable communications, and multiple telephone providers, totaling $319, $71, $578, and $739 respectively, along with a $57 debt and a student loan that had been delinquent for approximately two years. The applicant also stated he was not financially able to pay his debts and lacked surplus funds monthly.
Despite the applicant having taken custody of two grandchildren, the decision found that he had not demonstrated financial responsibility or commitment to addressing his obligations. Disqualifying conditions F1 and F3 were raised, while mitigating conditions F3, F4, and F6 were considered but ultimately not sufficient. The clearance was denied because the applicant had numerous outstanding debts, had not taken action to resolve them, and lacked the financial means or commitment to address his obligations, even though he disputed many debts without formal contestation or supporting documentation.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has numerous outstanding debts and has not taken action to resolve them.
- He disputes many debts but has not formally contested them or provided documentation to support his claims.
- Applicant lacks the financial means or commitment to address his financial obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- F1appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F3appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F3rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile the applicant took on additional responsibilities, he did not take action to improve his financial situation.
- F4rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under ControlApplicant provided no evidence of seeking credit counseling or taking steps to resolve his debts.
- F6rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsApplicant has made no efforts to repay or resolve his debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is eligible for a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 15, 2005
- Answer filedOct 3, 2005Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldJan 11, 2006
- Decision dateFeb 21, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Good Faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Financial Obligations on Trustworthiness Determinations