What to Bring to the EDD Office

A successful in-person visit requires thorough preparation. Here's everything you need.

Required Items

Identification

Must Have:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
  • California driver's license, OR
  • California state ID, OR
  • US Passport, OR
  • Other government-issued ID
• Social Security Number
  • Card not required, but know your full 9-digit number
  • Some offices may ask to see the card

Claim Information

• Claim confirmation number
• Disability start date
• Last day worked date
• Any correspondence from EDD

Medical Information

• Treating physician's full name
• Doctor's phone number
• Doctor's address
• Doctor's medical license number (verify at mbc.ca.gov)
• Brief description of your condition

Recommended Items

Financial Documents

• Last 3-4 pay stubs
• Most recent W-2
• Any correspondence regarding pay
• Bank account information (if setting up direct deposit)

Pilot-Specific Documents

Recommended Pilot Documents:

• Written explanation of pilot pay structure (template below)
• Sample pay stub with components highlighted
• Summary of recent earnings by month
• Explanation of sick bank usage if applicable

Supporting Documents

• Any letters from EDD
• Previous denial notices (if appealing)
• Doctor's written statement (if available)
• List of questions you need answered

Pilot Pay Explanation Template

Bring a printed copy of this (customized with your details):

AIRLINE PILOT PAY STRUCTURE - FOR EDD REFERENCE
================================================

I am an airline pilot employed by Federal Express (FedEx).
My pay structure differs from traditional hourly or salaried
employees:

PAY COMPONENTS:
1. FLIGHT PAY - Primary compensation based on hours flown
   - Varies monthly based on schedule
   - Not a fixed hourly wage

2. PER DIEM - Meal/expense allowance for travel
   - Paid for time away from base
   - Calculated hourly when on duty away from home

3. OVERRIDE PAY - Additional pay for certain positions/duties

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR EDD:
- As a pilot, I CANNOT perform "light duty" or modified work
- ANY medical restriction prevents me from flying
- My occupation is specifically "Airline Pilot - Federal Express"
- Semi-monthly pay periods (2 per month)

RECENT MONTHLY EARNINGS:
[List your last 3-4 months of gross earnings]

If you have questions about my pay records,
please contact me at [your phone number].

Name: _______________
Date: _______________

Comfort Items

For the Long Wait

You'll likely wait 4-6+ hours. Bring:

• Fully charged phone (and charger/power bank)
• Book, tablet, or entertainment
• Snacks and water
• Any medications you need
• Something to sit on if lines are outside
• Weather-appropriate clothing (for outdoor lines)

Practical Needs

• Notepad and pen
• Folder to keep documents organized
• Reading glasses if needed

Digital Backups

On Your Phone

Have these ready to show or reference:

• Photos of key documents
• EDD online portal login
• Important phone numbers
• Notes about your situation
• This guide (for reference)

Checklist by Purpose

If Filing a New Claim:

• Photo ID
• Social Security Number
• Doctor's information (name, phone, address, license #)
• Last day worked date
• FedEx employment information
• Bank account info for direct deposit
• Recent pay stubs/W-2

If Following Up on Existing Claim:

• Photo ID
• Claim confirmation number
• List of specific issues/questions
• Any correspondence from EDD
• Any documents they've requested

If Responding to Document Request:

• Photo ID
• The EDD letter requesting documents
• All requested documents (copies + originals)
• Cover sheet listing what you're providing

If Appealing a Denial:

• Photo ID
• Original denial letter
• Your written appeal (if not already submitted)
• All supporting documentation
• Medical records/doctor statements

Document Preparation Tips

Make Copies

• Bring originals AND copies
• Never give away your only copy of anything
• Ask for receipts when submitting documents

Organize Everything

• Use a folder or binder
• Label sections clearly
• Put most important items on top

Highlight Key Information

On pay stubs and complex documents:

• Highlight your gross earnings
• Mark dates clearly
• Note any items you need to explain

What NOT to Bring

Leave These at Home:

• ❌ Original birth certificate (copy is fine if needed)
• ❌ Medical records you weren't asked to provide
• ❌ Every document you've ever received
• ❌ Anything valuable that could be lost

Don't Bring Frustration

• Representatives can't control wait times
• Being polite gets better results
• Prepared = less stressful for everyone

Quick Reference Card

Print this summary to keep with you:

EDD VISIT QUICK REFERENCE
=========================
My Info:
- Claim #: _______________
- SSN: ___-__-____
- Last Day Worked: ________
- Disability Start: ________

Doctor:
- Name: _______________
- Phone: _______________
- License #: _______________

Questions to Ask:
1. _______________
2. _______________
3. _______________

Notes:
_________________________
_________________________

Next Steps

• When to Go In Person - Deciding if you need to go
• Which Office to Visit - Finding the right location
• Contacts - Office locations and phone numbers