Summary
The applicant, a 33-year-old technical support specialist, mitigated financial security concerns under Guideline F stemming from delinquent debts incurred due to family illnesses and marital issues. She successfully disputed three debts, resolved all but one remaining debt, and initiated a payment plan for the last. The clearance was granted based on her demonstrated efforts to address her financial obligations and her positive character references.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: $590 was paid in full (1.a). Auto repossession for $9,943. This auto was her husband's. He took possession upon their divorce and made some payments before repossession. Applicant has not been solicited as responsible to pay the debt (1.b). Store credit of $673 was paid in full (1.c). Auto Repossession of $12,000 was Applicant's. She owed only $7,000 and has reached a settlement for half of that amount with the creditor. She will pay $153 per month until the matter is resolved (1.d). Store debt of $55 was disputed successfully by Applicant (1.e). Credit card debts to the same card company totaling $5,500. All accounts were settled in full (1.f). Department store debt of $459 was disputed successfully by Applicant (1.k). Department store debt of $324 was paid and account settled (1.l). Bank debt of $2,497 was disputed successfully by Applicant (1.m).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions E2.A6.1.2.1, E2.A6.1.2.3. The judge applied mitigating conditions E2.A6.1.3.3, E2.A6.1.3.4, E2.A6.1.3.6. The decision turned on the following: The applicant successfully disputed three debts and resolved all but one remaining debt; She initiated a payment plan for the last debt and demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay creditors; The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including family health issues.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant successfully disputed three debts and resolved all but one remaining debt.
- She initiated a payment plan for the last debt and demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay creditors.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including family health issues.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedEvidence of Inability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- E2.A6.1.3.4appliedReceiving Counseling for the Problem
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedInitiated Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key rule quoted
“The objective of the security clearance process is the fair-minded, commonsense assessment of a person's trustworthiness and fitness for access to classified information.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJun 8, 2006
- Answer filedJul 21, 2006
- Hearing heldDec 5, 2006
- Decision dateJan 31, 2007
Cite for
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts as a Mitigating Factor