Step-by-Step Filing

Step-by-Step Filing

Detailed walkthrough of the SDI claim process

Last updated: 2026-01-11

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

  1. Go to edd.ca.gov
  2. Click "Disability" in the main navigation
  3. Select "File a Disability Insurance Claim"
  4. Click "File a DI Claim Online"

Step 2: Create or Log Into Account (myEDD)

EDD uses a central portal called myEDD.

  1. Register/Log In: Click "Register" or "Log In" to access myEDD.
  2. 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.
  3. Connect to SDI Online: Once your myEDD account is set up, select "SDI Online" to enter the disability claim portal.
Do not wait until the day you are disabled to set up your account. We recommend setting up your myEDD account and completing ID.me verification while you are healthy.

Step 3: Start New Claim

  1. Select "File a New Disability Insurance Claim"
  2. Confirm you meet eligibility requirements
  3. 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
The Hacks Cross address is critical because it connects directly to the Pilot Administration Center (PAC). The PAC is responsible for verifying your employment and payroll data for state disability claims. Using a different address (like the one on your W-2 or the Collierville payroll office) often results in significant delays or no response to EDD's verification requests.
If your last flight was August 28 and you didn't fly at all in September before becoming disabled on Oct 1, your "last day worked" remains August 28. However, your disability beginning date is the date the doctor certifies you were unable to work.

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

Errors in doctor information cause significant delays. Verify everything is accurate, especially the license number.

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)
If you're currently using sick leave, answer Yes. This doesn't disqualify you—EDD will coordinate benefits appropriately.

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

  1. Review all information carefully
  2. Correct any errors before submitting
  3. Read and accept certifications
  4. Submit the claim
  5. SAVE YOUR CONFIRMATION NUMBER

After Submitting

Immediate Steps

  1. Screenshot or print confirmation page
  2. Save confirmation number in multiple places
  3. Note the date you filed

Within 24-48 Hours

  1. You may receive email confirmation
  2. Check your EDD account for claim status
  3. No action needed unless contacted

Doctor's Certification

Your doctor must complete their certification:

  1. EDD may contact your doctor directly, OR
  2. 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:

  1. Log into EDD online account
  2. Check status regularly (every few days)
  3. Watch for mail/email from EDD
  4. Respond immediately to any requests

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.
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About Last Updated: January 2026