Q&A: Where to File Benefit Enrollment Documents

By Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP on Nov 30, 2017
2 min read 0 comment(s)

Share this:

Jeanette Coleman Blog Size 1000 x 667

Benefit Enrollment Documents in a Personnel File or Kept Separate?

Question: May benefit enrollment documents be placed in the employee’s personnel files or should they be kept separate?

Answer: Due to privacy concerns, it is considered a best practice to keep all benefit documents in a separate file and location from personnel records. Benefit forms contain personal confidential information, including dependent information, that requires a high level of security. Personnel files of all types should be kept in a locked file, ideally in a secure location.

We recommend keeping separate files as follows:

  • Personnel file — employment application, resume, job description, offer letter, status change forms, acknowledgment of company handbook, code of conduct and other policies, emergency contacts, address change forms, disciplinary action, evaluations, certifications, course completions, and accommodations.
  • Benefits file — enrollment/waiver forms, enrollment change forms, medical forms.
  • Reference checks and pre-employment screening — reference checks, verification of employment requests, drug tests, and background checks.
  • Payroll file — compensation changes, W-4 and state tax withholding forms, direct deposit forms.
  • In addition, you may need to create additional files and keep them separate from personnel, payroll, and benefits files. These may include:
    • Wage garnishment file
    • FMLA file and/or ADA accommodations file
    • Investigation file

New call-to-action

Finally, I-9 forms can be handled a little differently. We recommend keeping all active I-9 forms in a binder if your company size can accommodate that or in a separate file drawer or cabinet away from personnel files. Separately, maintain a binder (or separate file drawer) of I-9 forms for employees who are no longer with your company. In the event of an audit by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you can quickly turn over these materials for review, preventing auditors’ access to personnel files or other sensitive information.

Best Practices for Organizing Benefit Enrollment Documents

Properly managing benefit enrollment documents is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring efficient HR operations. It's recommended to store all benefit-related documents separately from general personnel files to protect sensitive information and streamline access during audits or reviews. Implementing a systematic approach to organizing these documents not only safeguards employee privacy but also facilitates easier management of benefits administration.

Looking to enhance your benefits administration processes? Axcet HR Solutions offers expert guidance and comprehensive HR services to help you manage employee benefits effectively. Visit axcethr.com to learn more about how we can support your organization's HR needs.

See if a PEO makes sense for your business

Get HR Updates

Table of Contents

How Do Employers Calculate FMLA Leave Around the Holidays

Beautiful brunette sleeping in her bed at home in the bedroom
Rescinding an employment offer based on credit check results

Q&A: Rescinding an employment offer based on credit check results

Let us know what you think...