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:

• Employer: Federal Express Corporation, 3620 Hacks Cross Rd, Building B, 3rd floor, Memphis, TN 38125
• Supervisor/verification contact: Sheila Voye, PAC Fleet Operations, 901-434-5000
• Last day worked (last flight or duty period)
• 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.

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

Wage Information:

• EDD pre-populates wages from employer DE 9C filings — verify the quarters shown match your FedEx pay stubs; if the amounts look off, this is the bid-month reporting issue (see Understanding Your Pay Structure)
• Do not manually alter pre-populated wages in the portal; discrepancies are resolved after filing by contacting EDD with supporting pay stubs

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

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 the confirmation page — it contains the Claim Receipt Number your physician needs for Part B
2. Note the date you filed — the 49-day deadline runs from disability start, not from filing; if your Part B is still pending at Day 45, escalate with your physician immediately

Within 24-48 Hours

1. You may receive an email confirmation from EDD
2. Contact your physician with the Claim Receipt Number so they can complete Part B online

Doctor's Certification

Your doctor must complete their certification (Part B):

1. Give your physician the Claim Receipt Number from your confirmation page — they enter it at SDI Online to link their certification to your claim
2. If your physician is not registered for SDI Online, mail them Form DE 2501 Part B; this adds 1–2 weeks
3. If Part B is not received within ~10 days, call EDD at 1-800-480-3287 to confirm it's pending, then follow up with your physician directly

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 SDI Online and check status after 14 days — the claim will show "Pending" until Part B is received and processed
2. Watch for physical mail from EDD — benefit payment notices and denial letters arrive by mail, not email; a debit card from Bank of America means approval
3. If you receive a "Request for Additional Information" letter, respond before the deadline printed on the letter — a missed deadline suspends payment

Next Steps

• Required Documentation - Supporting documents
• After Filing - What to expect
• Checklist - Track your progress