Required Documentation

Required Documentation

Documents needed for your SDI claim

Last updated: 2026-01-11

Required Documentation

A complete, accurate claim with proper documentation processes faster. Here's everything you need.

Core Required Information

Have this information ready before you start your online application:

1. Personal Details

  • Full Name (as it appears on your SSN card)
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Driver's License or ID card number
  • Email address & Phone number
  • Mailing Address (Crucial for receiving your benefit debit card)

2. Employment Information

When filling out state forms, use the following contact information for your supervisor and for any employment verification requirements:

  • Employer: Federal Express Corporation
  • Address: 3620 Hacks Cross Rd, Building B, 3rd floor, Memphis, TN 38125
  • Contact Person: Sheila Voye (Pilot Administration Center - Fleet Operations, Emp# 275964)
  • Phone: 901-434-5000
If you claim SDI benefits, contact the Pilot Admin Center (PAC) at 901-434-5000 for assistance. They can assist with contacting Pilot Benefits Administration and the payroll department if required.
  • Last Day Worked: The date of your last flight or duty period
  • Employment Status: Still employed (if on leave)
  • Reason for Not Working: Medical/Disability
  • Compensation: Be prepared to report any sick pay, vacation pay, or other income received after your last day worked.
The following address is used by the FedEx payroll department specifically to submit CA SDI payments. While usually not needed on the claimant form, you may need it if a representative asks for the "Payroll address on file":
Federal Express Corporation, 30 FedEx Parkway, 2nd Floor Horizontal, Collierville, TN 38017.

3. Medical Information

  • Treating Physician's Name
  • Physician's Mailing Address
  • Physician's Phone & Fax number
  • Physician's Medical License Number
  • Date the disability began
  • General nature of your disability

The Physician Certification (Critical Step)

The most common cause of claim delays is the lack of medical certification (Part B). Your claim is not complete until your doctor submits this.

How to Ensure it Happens:

  1. Online (Preferred): After you file Part A, you will receive a Claim Receipt Number. Provide this number to your doctor. They use it to link their certification to your claim in the SDI Online portal.
  2. Paper (Slow): If using mail, you must mail the Form DE 2501 Part B to your doctor to complete and mail in.
Both you and your doctor must submit your respective parts within 49 days of your disability beginning.

Supporting Documentation

These items help EDD verify your wages and pilot pay structure:

Wage Documentation

  • Your last 4 pay stubs (to prove CA SDI was withheld)
  • Your most recent W-2

What FedEx Submitted to EDD (If Issues Arise)

If your claim is denied or delayed due to wage or pay-date confusion, request a copy of the data FedEx transmitted to EDD. See Understanding Your Pay Structure for why this matters and who to contact.

Pilot Pay Explanation Cover Letter

Because airline pilot pay (trips, per diem, offsets) is unusual, we recommend submitting a cover letter explaining your pay structure.

What to include:

  • Semi-monthly pay frequency
  • Explanation of Trip Pay vs. Per Diem
  • Clarification that Sick Pay may be listed as "Regular Pay"
  • Note that light duty is not available for pilots
Go to the Templates page to download a pre-written cover letter for FedEx pilots.

Who Can Certify Your Disability?

EDD accepts certifications from the following licensed practitioners:

  • Medical Doctors (MD)
  • Doctors of Osteopathy (DO)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NP)
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Chiropractors (for musculoskeletal only)
  • Psychologists (for mental health)
  • Dentists (for dental)
  • Optometrists (for eye conditions)
  • Podiatrists (for foot)
  • Nurse Midwives (for pregnancy)
Many OAK domicile pilots use specialists in the Bay Area. Ensure your specialist is familiar with SDI Online, as it significantly speeds up processing.

Work History Clarification

If your last months show mixed regular/sick pay:

WORK HISTORY CLARIFICATION

Month       | Status          | Type of Pay
------------|-----------------|------------------
January     | Working         | Flight Pay
February    | Working         | Flight Pay
March       | Partial Sick    | Mixed
April       | Full Sick Leave | Sick Pay Only
May         | Disabled        | No Pay

Documentation for In-Person Filing

If filing in person, bring:

Required:

  • Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
  • Social Security number (memorized is fine)
  • Doctor's information (printed)

Helpful:

  • Last 3 pay stubs
  • Most recent W-2
  • Written explanation of pilot pay
  • Calculator results showing your expected benefit
  • List of dates (last worked, disability start, etc.)

What NOT to Include

Don't submit unless specifically requested:

  • ❌ Entire medical history
  • ❌ Every pay stub ever
  • ❌ Irrelevant personal documents
  • ❌ Duplicates of documents

More documents ≠ faster processing. Include what's needed and relevant.

Keeping Copies

Always Keep Copies Of:

  • Every document you submit
  • Every form you complete
  • All correspondence from EDD
  • Your confirmation number and dates

Organize By:

  • Date submitted
  • Type of document
  • Whether it was for EDD or Hartford

If EDD Requests Additional Documents

When EDD requests more documentation:

  1. Read the request carefully - What specifically do they want?
  2. Respond promptly - Delays extend your processing time
  3. Send exactly what's requested - Don't overwhelm with extras
  4. Keep copies - Of everything you send
  5. Note the date - When you responded
EDD sometimes requests documents you've already sent. When responding, note "Previously submitted on date" and send again anyway.

Document Checklist

Use this checklist before filing:

Core Requirements:

  • Doctor's name, phone, address, license number verified
  • Social Security Number ready
  • Photo ID information ready
  • Last day worked date confirmed
  • Bank account info for direct deposit

Supporting Documents Ready:

  • Recent pay stubs (if needed)
  • W-2 forms (if needed)
  • Pilot pay explanation (if including)

Organized and Accessible:

  • All documents saved digitally
  • Printed copies if filing in person
  • Contact info if EDD needs to reach you

Next Steps

Disclaimer: This website is an unofficial resource created by pilots for pilots. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FedEx, ALPA, The Hartford, or California EDD. Information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. Always verify information with official sources and consult appropriate professionals for your specific situation.
CA SDI Navigator for FedEx Pilots
About Last Updated: January 2026