You can file for State Disability Insurance through California's online portal, EDD Online Services, without visiting an office or mailing forms

California State Disability Insurance (SDI) accepts applications through a web-based system called EDD Online Services. You create an account, answer questions about your medical condition and work history, upload supporting documents, and submit everything in one session. The entire process happens on your computer or phone. You do not need to print, sign, or mail anything unless EDD asks for additional documents later.

The online route is faster than paper filing because EDD receives your claim when ready and can begin reviewing it the same day. You also get a confirmation number right away and can check your claim status anytime by logging back into your account. If you cannot file online—because you lack internet access, a computer, or comfort with the system—you can still file by phone or mail, but online is the standard path and the one EDD processes most quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a California driver's license or state ID number, your Social Security number, and your employer's name and address to start an online SDI claim.
  • Medical documentation from your doctor—a note stating your condition, when it began, and when you cannot work—must be uploaded during the filing process or sent within 49 days of your claim date.
  • The online system asks for your work history, recent wages, and the reason you cannot work; your answers determine whether you are reviewed for SDI or a different program.
  • After you submit, EDD sends a claim information letter by mail within two to three weeks; this letter tells you whether your claim was approved, denied, or needs more information.
  • You can track your claim status, upload documents, and view payments through EDD Online Services at any time after filing.

Setting Up Your EDD Online Services Account

Go to onlineservices.edd.ca.gov and click "Create Account" if you do not already have one. You will need your California driver's license or state ID number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. EDD will ask you to create a username and password and verify your identity by answering security questions or receiving a code by text or email. This step takes about 10 minutes.

Once your account is active, log in and look for the option to file a new claim. EDD's system will ask you to choose the type of claim you are filing—select "Disability Insurance" (SDI). Do not select Unemployment Insurance or Paid Family Leave unless you are filing for those programs instead. If you are unsure which program fits your situation, the EDD website has a brief questionnaire that directs you to the right one.

Information and Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you begin filling out the online form. You will need them to complete your claim in one session:

  • Your California driver's license or state ID number
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your employer's name, address, and phone number (or your most recent employer if you are no longer working)
  • Your job title and the dates you worked there
  • Your recent pay stubs or a record of your wages from the past 12 months
  • A medical document from your doctor stating your condition, the date it began, and the date you cannot work (this can be a letter, a note from an appointment, or a completed SDI form)
  • Your bank account number and routing number if you want EDD to deposit payments directly

The medical document is the most important piece. It does not have to be long—a single paragraph from your doctor saying "Patient has [condition] as of [date] and cannot work until [date]" is sufficient. If you do not have this document when you file, you can upload it later, but EDD gives you 49 days from your claim date to submit it. If you miss that important date, your claim may be denied.

Filling Out the Online Claim Form

The online form asks questions in this order: your personal information, your work history, your medical condition, and your reason for not working. Answer each question as accurately as you can. If a question does not explore to you—for example, if you have only one employer—leave it blank or select "not applicable."

When the form asks about your medical condition, describe what prevents you from working in plain language. For example: "I had back surgery on March 15 and my doctor says I cannot lift more than 10 pounds for six weeks" or "I am being treated for depression and anxiety and my doctor says I need to take leave from work." Do not worry about using medical terms—EDD will review your doctor's note to confirm the details.

The form also asks when you last worked and when you expect to return. Be honest about these dates. If you do not know when you will return to work, write "Unknown" or "To be determined by doctor." EDD uses this information to set your claim period, which is usually up to 52 weeks from the date you stop working.

Uploading Your Medical Documentation

Near the end of the form, you will see a section to upload files. Click "Choose File" and select your medical document from your computer. The system accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. If your doctor gave you a paper note, take a photo of it with your phone or scan it before you file. Make sure the image is clear enough to read—if EDD cannot read your document, they will ask you to send it again.

You can upload multiple documents if you have them—for example, a doctor's note and a hospital discharge summary. Upload everything you have at the time of filing. If you do not have a medical document yet, you can still submit your claim and upload the document later through your EDD Online Services account, but do this within 49 days of your claim date. After 49 days, EDD may deny your claim for lack of medical evidence.

What Happens After You Submit

When you click "Submit," EDD sends your claim to their system when ready. You will see a confirmation page with a claim number. Write this number down or take a screenshot—you will need it if you call EDD or if they contact you with questions. You will also receive an email confirmation at the address you provided during account setup.

EDD then reviews your claim and sends a information letter by mail within two to three weeks. This letter tells you whether your claim was approved, denied, or whether EDD needs more information from you. If approved, the letter also tells you how much you will receive per week and when payments will start. If denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.

While you wait, you can log into EDD Online Services anytime to check your claim status. The system shows whether your claim is "pending," "approved," or "needs more information." If it says "needs more information," log in to see what EDD is asking for and upload it right away.

If You Cannot File Online

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to file online, you can call EDD's SDI line at 1-800-480-3287 and file over the phone. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and take your information verbally. You will still need to send your medical documentation by mail or upload it later. Phone filing takes longer because you must wait on hold, and EDD processes claims more slowly when they come in by phone.

You can also request a paper form by calling the same number. EDD will mail you the form, you fill it out by hand, and you mail it back with your medical documents. This method is the slowest—it can take four to six weeks from the time you mail the form until EDD receives and begins reviewing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a medical document from my doctor yet?

You can file your claim without it, but you must submit the document within 49 days of your claim date. Call your doctor's office and ask them to send you a note or letter stating your condition and when you cannot work. If your doctor is slow to respond, upload whatever you have—even an appointment confirmation or a message from your patient portal—and follow up with the full medical note as soon as you get it.

Can I file online if I do not have a California ID?

You need either a California driver's license or state ID number to create an EDD Online Services account. If you do not have one, you can file by phone at 1-800-480-3287 instead. A representative can verify your identity using your Social Security number and other personal information.

How long does it take to get paid after I file online?

If your claim is approved, EDD usually begins sending payments within one to two weeks of the approval date. Payments are sent by debit card or direct deposit, depending on what you chose during filing. Your information letter will tell you the exact start date.

What if EDD denies my claim?

Your information letter will explain the reason for the denial. You have 20 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. You can appeal online through EDD Online Services or by mail. An appeal does not cost anything, and you can represent yourself or have someone help you.

Can I check my claim status without logging in?

No, you must log into EDD Online Services with your username and password to see your claim status. You cannot check it by phone or email. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it.