GON Reader Question #1
How Long Must I Keep My Deceased Spouse's Social Security Records?
Hi
Maria,
My husband passed 7 years ago. I've filed all the necessary paperwork with all that required it. I've searched and not found an answer to: How long must I keep my deceased husband's Social Security records? Can you help me find the answer to this question? Thanks!
-- Pam Prentice
Response from Maria
Hi Pam,
Due to the fact that Social Security checks are
considered income, they are all part of tax records. This means they could be requested for
up to six years.
Since you're past that point, it's likely safe for you to get rid of them. Double check with your accountant in case you have special circumstances. Shred them before you get rid of them.
That being said, don't get rid of his social
security card. You should retain the following documents of his, indefinitely, in a safe place:
Birth certificate
Social Security card
Divorce decrees
Death certificates
Legal Will
Marriage Certificates/Prenuptial Agreements
Retirement Plan
Documents
Insurance Documents
Hope this helps! Hugs!
GON Reader Question #2
Confused About Categorization
Hi Maria,
Thank you so much for your wonderful newsletters.
Really loving your paper clutter series this week but I have
a question about categorization. I always get stuck when papers have potentially more than one home.
1. For example, house insurance: do I file that under house, insurance, or
financial?
2. Or healthcare that is paid for by work. Do I file that under medical, financial, or work?
3. Utility bills...would these come under house or financial?
These are just 3 examples of some occasions when I would not necessarily know how to lay my hands on something quickly because I would not be sure what file it was in. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Maria!
-- Alison
Response from Maria
Hi Alison,
To answer questions 1 and 2, I suggest that all insurance documents/information (not bills, however) are categorized under the category: Insurance:
Insurance: Car
Insurance: Health
Insurance: Homeowners
Insurance: Life
etc.
That being said, usually the Insurance category is a sub-category of the larger category: Financial.
As far as Utility Bills, or any other bills, I recommend you have a section of your filing system for all bill statements you've paid (be sure to write "paid" as well as the date and confirmation code on those paper statements.)
Bills: Cable
Bills: Credit Card 1 (and last 4 digits)
Bills: Credit Card 2 (and last 4 digits)
Bills: Insurance
Bills: Utilities
Does this help clarify?
