Post-Filing Timeline

The journey from filing a claim to receiving your first payment typically takes 21 to 31 days, provided there are no information requests or errors.

Overall Process Map

Day 0:     Last day worked / Disability begins
           ↓
Days 1-7:  File Part A of claim online
           ↓
Days 1-14: Physician certifies Part B (CRITICAL)
           ↓
Days 14-21: EDD reviews claim, requests info if needed
           ↓
Days 21-28: Eligibility determination made
           ↓
~Day 28+:  First payment issued (if approved)
           ↓
Ongoing:   Continued certification required every 2 weeks

Detailed Timeline Breakdown

Phase 1: Filing & Certification (Days 1-14)

What Happens:

• You submit your part of the claim (DE 2501 Part A).
• Your physician submits the medical certification (Part B). EDD cannot process your claim without Part B.
• You receive a Claim Receipt Number.

Action Required:

• Provide your doctor with the Claim Receipt Number immediately.
• Verify through SDI Online that your doctor has submitted Part B.

Phase 2: Review & Determination (Days 14-28)

What Happens:

• EDD verifies your base period wages.
• EDD reviews the medical certification for validity.
• You may receive a "Notice of Computation" (DE 429D) in the mail, which lists your reported wages and your potential weekly benefit amount. This is not an approval letter.

Potential Issues:

• EDD may flag your claim for identity verification (ID.me).
• EDD may request more information about your pilot pay structure.

Phase 3: Payment (Days 28-35)

What Happens:

• If approved, your first payment is issued.
• Waiting Period: You are NOT paid for the first 7 days of your disability.
• Retroactive Payment: If your disability lasts more than 14 days, the 7-day waiting period is sometimes paid retroactively (depending on current policy).

Payment Method:

• Default: EDD Debit Card (Bank of America). This is mailed to you automatically.
• Optional: Direct Deposit. You must enroll for this in your SDI Online account.

Long-Term Maintenance

Every 2 Weeks: Continued Certification

You must certify every 14 days that you are still disabled and unable to work flight duty. This is done via SDI Online or by mail using Form DE 2500A.

Every 1-3 Months: Physician Re-certification

Depending on the duration of your disability, EDD may require your doctor to provide an updated certification (Physician/Practitioner’s Supplementary Certificate - DE 2525XX).

If Things Take Longer

Normal Delays

Some delays are expected:

• High claim volume periods
• Quarter-end processing backlogs
• Holiday periods

Signs of a Problem

Contact EDD if:

• No status change after 3 weeks
• You haven't received any correspondence
• Status shows "Incomplete" without explanation
• Your doctor hasn't been contacted

Escalation Options

1. Call EDD - Start with the main line
2. Visit in person - For complex issues
3. Contact your Assembly member - For unresponsive EDD
4. ALPA - Union can sometimes assist

Continuing Certification

For ongoing disabilities, you must continue to certify:

Every Two Weeks:

• Confirm you're still disabled
• Report any changes
• Complete online or by mail

Common Issues

"Pending Medical" Status

Meaning: Waiting for doctor verification or certification

Solution:

1. Contact your doctor's office
2. Ask if they've completed certification
3. Provide their fax number to EDD if needed

"Additional Info Required"

Meaning: EDD needs more documentation from you

Solution:

1. Check mail and EDD online messages
2. Respond promptly
3. Send exactly what's requested
4. Keep copies

No Status Updates

Meaning: Claim may be in queue, or there's an issue

Solution:

1. Wait until at least 14 days after filing
2. Call EDD for status update
3. Consider in-person visit if no response

Payment Information

Payment Amounts

Your weekly benefit amount:

• Calculated from highest-earning quarter
• Approximately 60-70% of gross weekly pay
• Maximum weekly benefit: $1,620 (2026)

Use our Calculator to estimate your benefit.

Payment Methods

Direct Deposit:

• Fastest method
• 1-2 business days once processed
• Must set up during claim filing

Debit Card:

• Bank of America EDD Debit Card
• Card mailed to you (takes time)
• Payments deposited to card

Payment Frequency

• First payment: Covers from day 8 of disability
• Ongoing: Every two weeks
• Must certify to receive each payment

Next Steps

• Tracking Your Claim - Detailed tracking guidance
• Document Requests - Responding to EDD requests
• If Denied - What to do if denied