A pocket device for papers or the like includes a major panel and a pocket panel attached to the inner surface of the major panel to define a pocket between the major panel and the pocket panel. The pocket panel has a secured edge along which the pocket panel is attached to the major panel. The pocket panel also has a free edge along which the pocket panel is unattached to the major panel so that the free edge is moveable away from the major panel to allow one or more papers to be inserted into the pocket. The free edge of the pocket panel is disposed next to the secured edge and extends transversely of the secured edge. The pocket panel has a stress relief area for reducing and minimizing tearing of the pocket panel. The stress relief area located along the free edge proximate to the secured edge.