Global history of financial assistance

Is possible for a bishop to request a member's entire history of financial assistance? We have an individual that has been on monthly assistance for known 12 years. We'd like to see beyond that how long she has been on assistance in total. She claims it has not been that long, we'd like to see her entire history. We can only go back 3 years, but having the total history, duration and amounts, will help us help her see the pattern and history of her assistance. There is some severe lack of gratitude on her part and unwillingness to change. She's 81 yrs old and thinks her circumstances will change once she gets a job. She's been saying this for the last 8 years, as far back as I know. Anyway, this history would be helpful. Thanks.

As you note, most local units only retain their paperwork for 3 years (but you might check all the cabinets and back corners of the clerks' office). That means anything longer term is going to have to come from church headquarters.

I'd give them a call.

I'd also read all of 22.4 in the Handbook. I believe it would be fertile ground for inspiration. A quote that stood out to me was "Church assistance is intended to help members develop independence, not dependence." Three years should be sufficient to know if that is working. Consultation with the stake president would be a good idea as well.