Summary
A 43-year-old patient care advocate was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant had eight delinquent debts, totaling approximately $22,050, which included charged-off credit card accounts and various collection accounts dating from August 2000 to March 2006.
Disqualifying conditions were raised due to a history of not meeting financial obligations and an unwillingness to satisfy debts. Although the applicant made a $97,000 profit from a home sale, she failed to resolve her outstanding debts. While her significant other's job loss contributed to her financial difficulties, this was not deemed sufficient to mitigate the concerns regarding her trustworthiness.
The administrative judge concluded that the applicant's lack of action in resolving her financial issues demonstrated an unwillingness to satisfy her obligations. Consequently, her eligibility for a sensitive position was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of not meeting financial obligations, as evidenced by eight delinquent debts totaling approximately $22,050.
- Despite having the means to pay off her debts after selling her home, the applicant did not take action to resolve them, indicating an unwillingness to satisfy her debts.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were compounded by her significant other's job loss, but this was not sufficient to mitigate the trustworthiness concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's significant other's job loss due to disability contributed to her financial difficulties.
- E2.A6.1.3.1rejectedThe Behavior Was Not RecentThe applicant still has outstanding debts.
- E2.A6.1.3.2rejectedThe Behavior Was IsolatedThe applicant has multiple ongoing delinquent debts.
- E2.A6.1.3.4rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Under ControlThe applicant consulted a credit counselor but did not follow through with a plan.
- E2.A6.1.3.6rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not follow through on her intentions to resolve her debts after selling her home.
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 issuedJul 28, 2006
- Answer filedSep 19, 2006Applicant responded to SOR and requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldNov 28, 2006
- Decision dateDec 28, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Trustworthiness Determinations
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Adjudicating Financial Issues