Step-by-Step Filing
Detailed walkthrough of the SDI claim process
Step-by-Step Filing Guide
This guide walks you through the SDI claim filing process step by step.
Before You Start
Gather Required Information
Have these ready before starting:
Personal Information:
- Social Security Number (full 9 digits)
- Date of birth
- Driver's license or state ID number
- Current mailing address
- Phone number and email
Employment Information:
- FedEx's name and address
- Your employee ID
- Last day worked
- Usual occupation: "Airline Pilot"
Medical Information:
- Treating physician's name
- Doctor's phone number
- Doctor's address
- Doctor's medical license number (verify at mbc.ca.gov)
- Diagnosis (general description)
- Date disability began
Financial Information:
- Bank routing number (for direct deposit)
- Bank account number (for direct deposit)
Online Filing Steps
Step 1: Access the EDD Website
- Go to edd.ca.gov
- Click "Disability" in the main navigation
- Select "File a Disability Insurance Claim"
- Click "File a DI Claim Online"
Step 2: Create or Log Into Account (myEDD)
EDD uses a central portal called myEDD.
- Register/Log In: Click "Register" or "Log In" to access myEDD.
- Identity Verification (ID.me):
- myEDD requires identity verification through ID.me.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, etc.).
- This process can take 5-15 minutes but may be delayed if your ID documents don't match your account information Exactly.
- Connect to SDI Online: Once your myEDD account is set up, select "SDI Online" to enter the disability claim portal.
Step 3: Start New Claim
- Select "File a New Disability Insurance Claim"
- Confirm you meet eligibility requirements
- Medical Certification: You will be asked how your physician will certify. Select "Online" if your doctor uses SDI Online (recommended).
Step 4: Personal Information
Enter your personal details. Ensure these match your FedEx employment records and tax documents exactly.
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Driver's license number
- Current mailing address (This is where your debit card will be sent)
Step 5: Employment Information
Last Employer Section:
- Employer name: Federal Express Corporation
- Employer address: 3620 Hacks Cross Rd, Building B, 3rd floor, Memphis, TN 38125
- Supervisor/Verification: Sheila Voye (Pilot Administration Center - Fleet Operations, Emp# 275964)
- Phone: 901-434-5000
- Your occupation: Airline Pilot
- Last day worked: This is the last day you physically flew or were on duty.
- Reason for stopping work: Illness/Injury/Disability
Wage Information:
- The system may pre-populate from state records
- Verify it looks reasonable
- Note any discrepancies
Step 6: Disability Information
Disability Start Date:
- Enter the first day you were unable to work
- This is typically the day after your last worked day
Type of Disability:
- Select the category that best fits
- Provide brief description (e.g., "Surgery recovery" or "Medical condition")
Are You in a Hospital?
- Answer current status
Step 7: Medical Provider Information
Doctor Information:
- Full legal name of treating physician
- Medical license number (verify at mbc.ca.gov)
- Complete address
- Phone number
- Fax number (helpful for EDD to contact them)
Treatment Information:
- First date of treatment for this condition
- Last date of treatment (or ongoing)
Step 8: Other Benefits
Are you receiving or entitled to receive:
- Workers' Compensation? (Usually No for illness)
- Other state disability? (No)
- Employer-paid sick leave? (May be Yes—answer honestly)
Step 9: Payment Method
Direct Deposit (Recommended):
- Bank routing number (9 digits)
- Account number
- Account type (checking or savings)
Debit Card:
- EDD can issue a Bank of America debit card
- May take longer to receive
Step 10: Review and Submit
- Review all information carefully
- Correct any errors before submitting
- Read and accept certifications
- Submit the claim
- SAVE YOUR CONFIRMATION NUMBER
After Submitting
Immediate Steps
- Screenshot or print confirmation page
- Save confirmation number in multiple places
- Note the date you filed
Within 24-48 Hours
- You may receive email confirmation
- Check your EDD account for claim status
- No action needed unless contacted
Doctor's Certification
Your doctor must complete their certification:
- EDD may contact your doctor directly, OR
- You may need to facilitate this
Ask your doctor:
- Can they complete online via EDD?
- Do they need a paper form?
- How long will it take them?
Troubleshooting
If the Website Has Errors
- Try a different browser
- Clear cache and cookies
- Try at a different time (early morning is usually better)
- Call EDD or go in-person if persistent issues
If You Made a Mistake
- Minor errors can often be corrected by calling EDD
- Major errors may require starting over
- Don't file duplicate claims—call EDD instead
If Doctor Information Is Wrong
Call EDD immediately to correct. Incorrect doctor information is a major cause of delays.
Tracking Your Claim
After filing, monitor your claim:
- Log into EDD online account
- Check status regularly (every few days)
- Watch for mail/email from EDD
- Respond immediately to any requests
Next Steps
- Required Documentation - Supporting documents
- After Filing - What to expect
- Checklist - Track your progress