What You're Logging Into

California's Employment Development Department (EDD) runs the state's disability insurance program, called State Disability Insurance (SDI). When you log in to your EDD account, you access a portal where you can check the status of a claim, view payment history, update your address, and manage your account settings. This is separate from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is federal.

The login portal is called UI Online, even though it handles both unemployment insurance and disability claims. You use the same account credentials for both programs if you have filed for either one through California.

Key Takeaways

  • California EDD disability claims are filed and managed through UI Online, using a single login for all EDD programs.
  • You can create a new account at edd.ca.gov if you do not already have one, or log in with an existing username and password.
  • Two-factor authentication is required; you will receive a code by text or email each time you log in from a new device.
  • If you cannot remember your password or username, use the "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" link on the login page rather than creating a duplicate account.
  • The EDD help line at 1-800-300-5616 can verify your account and walk you through login steps if you are locked out.

Creating a New UI Online Account

If you have never filed for SDI or unemployment insurance through California, you will need to create an account before you can log in. Go to edd.ca.gov and look for the "Login" or "UI Online" button on the homepage. Select "Create Account" and enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.

You will be asked to create a username and password. The username must be at least 6 characters; the password must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (such as ! or @). Write these down in a safe place — you will need them every time you log in.

After you submit your account information, EDD will send you a confirmation email. Click the link in that email within 24 hours to set up your account. If you do not see the email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and request a new confirmation link.

Logging In With Your Username and Password

Once your account is active, go to edd.ca.gov and click "Login" or "UI Online." Enter your username and password. On your first login from a new device or browser, EDD will ask you to verify your identity using two-factor authentication.

You will receive a six-digit code by text message or email, depending on which method you chose when you created your account. Enter that code on the screen. If you do not receive the code within a few minutes, request a new one or choose a different delivery method (text or email).

After you enter the code correctly, you will be logged in. Your dashboard will show any active claims, recent payments, and account settings. If you are logging in from the same device and browser in the future, you may be asked to verify again if EDD detects unusual activity.

What to Do If You Cannot Log In

If you forget your username, click "Forgot Username" on the login page. EDD will ask for your Social Security number and date of birth, then send your username to the email address on file. If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the same process — EDD will send you a link to reset it.

If you have tried to reset your password multiple times and still cannot log in, or if you do not remember the email address you used to create your account, call the EDD help line at 1-800-300-5616. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. The representative can verify your identity and either unlock your account or help you create a new one with a different email address.

Do not create a second account with a different email address or username while trying to recover the first one. Multiple accounts can delay your claim processing and make it harder for EDD to find your information. Always use the password reset option first.

Understanding Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication means EDD requires two pieces of information to confirm you are who you say you are: your password (something you know) and a code sent to your phone or email (something you have). This protects your account from unauthorized access even if someone learns your password.

When you log in from a new device or after clearing your browser's cookies, EDD will send a code. You have 10 minutes to enter it. If the code expires, request a new one. You can choose to receive codes by text message or email when you set up your account, and you can change this preference in your account settings.

If you no longer have access to the phone number or email address you registered, call 1-800-300-5616 to update your contact information before you try to log in again.

What You Can Do Once You Are Logged In

Your UI Online dashboard shows the status of any SDI claim you have filed, including whether it is pending, approved, or denied. You can view payment history, see how much you have been paid and when, and check the amount of your weekly benefit. If you filed for SDI and it was approved, you will also see the dates your claim covers.

You can update your mailing address, phone number, and email address in the account settings section. If your circumstances change — for example, you return to work or your condition improves — you can report this through the portal, though some changes may require you to contact EDD directly.

You cannot file a new SDI claim through the login portal; you must start that process on the main edd.ca.gov website. However, once a claim exists, you manage it through UI Online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EDD disability the same as Social Security disability?

No. California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a state program that pays benefits for a limited time if you cannot work due to a non-work-related injury or illness. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is federal and has different rules and benefit amounts. You can file for both, but they are separate programs with separate applications and login portals.

What if I filed for disability but never created a UI Online account?

If EDD received your process, you should create an account now to check the status. Use the same Social Security number and date of birth you provided on your process. If you cannot find your claim in the system after logging in, call 1-800-300-5616 to confirm whether your process was received and processed.

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. UI Online works on mobile browsers, though the layout is optimized for desktop. You can also read the official EDD mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and log in there. The app shows the same information as the website.

What should I do if I see a claim I did not file?

Contact EDD when ready at 1-800-300-5616. Fraudulent claims filed in your name are a serious issue. Have your account information ready and ask to speak with a representative who handles identity theft or fraud. You may also want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

How often should I log in to check my claim?

Log in whenever you need to verify payment status or update your information. There is no requirement to check regularly, but if you are waiting for a decision on your claim, logging in weekly can help you catch updates or requests for additional information from EDD quickly.