Summary
A 30-year-old unmarried mother, employed by a defense contractor, was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had 22 delinquent debts, primarily stemming from medical expenses related to a seizure disorder and past unemployment. These debts included seven credit card bills incurred since 1996 and fifteen medical bills from a few years prior.
The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to address her financial obligations. She settled one credit card bill for $58.80, paid off another, and established various repayment plans for her remaining debts. For instance, she made monthly payments on several medical bills, including one consolidated bill, and paid $10 monthly on two others. She also made regular payments on a $1,742 credit card debt for several years, attempted to arrange a repayment plan for a $1,695.25 credit card debt, and was repaying a $3,091.11 credit card debt bi-weekly.
The judge found that the applicant mitigated the financial concerns, noting that her difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, such as unemployment and medical issues. Her proactive efforts to repay debts, contact creditors, and cease unnecessary purchases demonstrated responsible financial behavior. Consequently, she was found eligible for sensitive positions.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant made good-faith efforts to repay her debts and contacted creditors to arrange payments.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to unemployment and medical issues beyond her control.
- The applicant demonstrated responsible financial behavior by ceasing unnecessary purchases and focusing on debt repayment.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations.
- DC 3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts.
- MC 3appliedConditions Resulting in the Behavior Were Beyond the Applicant's Control.
- MC 6appliedApplicant Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The standard that must be met for . . . assignment to sensitive duties is that, based on all available information, the person's loyalty, reliability, and trustworthiness are such that . . . assigning the person to sensitive duties is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 10, 2006
- Answer filedAug 28, 2006
- Hearing heldNov 2, 2006
- Decision dateJan 23, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Delinquent Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations