What to Save Now

The best time to gather documents is before you need them. This guide covers everything you should save proactively.

Why Prepare Now?

When you're dealing with a disability:

• Stress is high, capacity is low
• Access to systems may be limited
• Deadlines don't wait for your health
• Having documents ready saves critical time

Documents to Save

Employment & Pay

Medical

Insurance & Benefits

Contact Information

Creating Your File

Physical File

Consider keeping a physical folder with:

• Printed key documents
• Handwritten notes
• Emergency contact list
• Quick reference sheet

Digital Folder

Create an organized digital folder:

Disability_Preparation/
├── 1_Employment/
│   ├── pay_stubs/
│   ├── w2_forms/
│   └── employee_info.txt
├── 2_Medical/
│   ├── doctor_contacts.txt
│   └── medical_release_form.pdf
├── 3_Benefits/
│   ├── ltd_plan_summary.pdf
│   ├── sick_bank_screenshot.png
│   └── dsa_bank_screenshot.png
├── 4_Contacts/
│   └── important_contacts.txt
└── 5_Checklists/
    └── preparation_checklist.txt

Cloud Backup

Store copies in:

• Personal cloud drive (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)
• Email to yourself (for searchability)
• Spouse/partner's access (in case you can't access)

Quick Reference Card

Create a card with critical information:

╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║  DISABILITY QUICK REFERENCE                          ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║  Employee ID: _______________                        ║
║  SSN (last 4): _______________                       ║
║                                                      ║
║  FedEx Benefits: 1-855-545-4748                      ║
║  Hartford Claims: 1-800-549-6514                     ║
║  CA EDD SDI: 1-800-480-3287                          ║
║  ALPA: [your local contact]                          ║
║                                                      ║
║  Primary Doctor: _______________                     ║
║  Doctor Phone: _______________                       ║
║  Doctor License #: _______________                   ║
║                                                      ║
║  Current Sick Bank: _____ hours                      ║
║  Current DSA Bank: _____ hours                       ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

Verification Steps

Verify Doctor's License

Before you need it:

1. Go to mbc.ca.gov/breeze
2. Search for your doctor's name
3. Confirm license is active
4. Save the license number

Verify EDD Has Your Records

You can check what EDD has on file:

1. Create an account at edd.ca.gov
2. Check your wage history
3. Identify any discrepancies
4. Report issues before you need to file

Verify Hartford Information

Confirm with HR or Hartford:

• Your exact plan terms
• Your coverage level (60%/50%)
• Any waiting periods
• Contact information for claims

Monthly Maintenance

Set a monthly reminder to:

• Screenshot current sick bank balance
• Screenshot current DSA balance
• Download any new pay stubs
• Update contact information if changed

Emergency Preparation

Share Access

Consider sharing access with:

• Spouse/partner
• Trusted family member
• Power of attorney (if applicable)

Document Passwords

Store securely:

• Workday login
• EDD account login
• Hartford account (when created)
• Email access

Complete Checklist

Use this checklist to verify preparation:

Employment Documents

• Last 18 months of pay stubs downloaded
• W-2 forms for past 2-3 years saved
• Employee ID number documented
• Manager/HR contact information saved

Medical Documents

• Primary doctor contact information
• Doctor's medical license number verified
• Specialist contacts (if applicable)
• Pharmacy information

Benefits Documents

• LTD plan summary saved
• Current sick bank balance documented
• Current DSA balance documented
• Benefits center contact saved

Contacts List

• FedEx Benefits phone number
• Hartford claims phone number
• EDD SDI phone number
• ALPA R&I contact
• Nearest EDD office address

Organization

• Digital folder created and organized
• Cloud backup in place
• Spouse/partner has access if needed
• Quick reference card created

Next Steps

• When to File SDI - Understanding timing
• Checklist - Start tracking your progress
• Contacts - Full contact directory