What form does your doctor complete for California SDI?

The form your doctor fills out is called the Physician's Statement (also labeled as the medical certification or doctor's report). In California's State Disability Insurance system, this is the document that describes your medical condition and explains why you cannot work. Your doctor does not decide whether you get SDI — that decision belongs to the EDD — but the Physician's Statement is the main piece of medical evidence the EDD uses to make that decision.

You obtain this form from the EDD, fill in your personal information and medical history, then give it to your doctor to complete. The doctor signs it and either returns it to you or sends it directly to the EDD. The form asks your doctor specific questions about your condition, when it started, how long it will last, and what work activities you cannot do.

Key Takeaways

  • The Physician's Statement is the medical form the EDD requires; you get it from the EDD website or by calling, then give it to your doctor to complete.
  • Your doctor describes your condition, its expected duration, and the work you cannot perform, but does not make the final SDI decision.
  • You can request the form be sent directly to the EDD, or you can return it yourself — either way, the EDD needs it within a set timeframe or your claim may be delayed.
  • If your doctor will not complete the form or if you do not have a regular doctor, the EDD has a process to obtain a medical evaluation through a state-selected physician.

How to get the Physician's Statement form

You can read the Physician's Statement from the EDD website, or you can request it by phone when you file your SDI claim. The form is available in English and Spanish. When you read it, print it out and fill in the employee section yourself — this includes your name, Social Security number, the dates you stopped working, and a description of your medical condition in your own words.

Once you have completed your section, give the form to your doctor at your next appointment or mail it to their office. Include a cover letter asking them to complete it and return it to you or directly to the EDD. Some doctors' offices will ask you to pay a fee to complete the form; this is legal, though the fee is usually small. If cost is a barrier, tell the EDD — they have procedures for cases where a doctor refuses to complete the form without an unreasonable fee.

What information your doctor must provide

The Physician's Statement asks your doctor to document several specific things. First, the diagnosis or description of your condition — not just a label, but enough detail that someone reading it understands what is wrong. Second, when the condition started and what caused it (work-related or not). Third, the expected duration — whether you will recover in a few weeks, a few months, or longer.

Your doctor must also describe the functional limitations caused by your condition: what physical or mental activities you cannot do, how often you need medical treatment, whether you are hospitalized or confined to bed, and whether you can perform your regular job duties. The form may ask whether you can sit, stand, walk, lift, concentrate, or perform other work-related tasks. The more specific your doctor can be, the clearer the picture the EDD has of your situation.

Timeframes for returning the form to the EDD

Once your doctor completes the Physician's Statement, it needs to reach the EDD promptly. If your doctor mails it directly to the EDD, ask them for confirmation or a copy for your records. If you are returning it yourself, mail it or submit it through the EDD's online portal as soon as you receive it from your doctor. The EDD does not have a single published important date, but delays in submitting the form can delay the processing of your entire claim.

If you submitted your SDI claim online or by phone, the EDD will send you a notice telling you that a Physician's Statement is required and giving you instructions on where to send it. Follow those instructions exactly, including any important date mentioned in the notice. If you miss a important date or the form does not arrive, the EDD will contact you to ask for it again.

What happens if your doctor will not complete the form

If your doctor refuses to complete the Physician's Statement, or if you do not have a regular doctor, tell the EDD. The EDD can arrange for you to be examined by a physician they select, at no cost to you. This is called a medical evaluation or independent medical examination. The EDD will schedule the appointment, and the examining doctor will complete the form based on that evaluation.

You are required to attend this appointment. If you do not show up without a valid reason, the EDD may deny your claim. The examination is usually brief and covers the same ground as the Physician's Statement — your medical history, current symptoms, and functional limitations. After the exam, the doctor sends the completed form directly to the EDD.

Keeping copies and tracking your submission

Before you give the Physician's Statement to your doctor, make a copy for yourself. After your doctor completes it, keep another copy. If you mail the form to the EDD, send it by certified mail or use a delivery method that provides tracking, so you can confirm it arrived. If you submit it through the EDD's online portal, take a screenshot showing the submission was successful.

Write down the date you submitted the form and keep that record with your claim file. If the EDD later says they never received it, you will have proof of when you sent it. You can also call the EDD to confirm they have received your Physician's Statement — have your claim number ready when you call.

Common issues with the Physician's Statement

One frequent problem is that a doctor completes the form but does not provide enough detail. For example, they might write "patient cannot work" without explaining why or for how long. If this happens, contact your doctor and ask them to clarify or add more information. The EDD may also contact your doctor directly to ask follow-up questions.

Another issue is that the form gets lost in the mail or in a doctor's office. This is why submitting by certified mail or through the EDD's online system is safer than regular mail. If you are unsure whether the EDD received the form, call them and ask. Do not assume silence means they have it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my own medical records instead of having my doctor fill out the Physician's Statement?

Medical records from your doctor are helpful and the EDD will review them, but they do not replace the Physician's Statement. The form asks specific questions in a specific format that helps the EDD make a decision. You should submit both your records and the completed form.

What if my doctor says they are too busy to complete the form?

Remind them that the form usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. If they still refuse, ask whether they charge a fee and whether you can pay it to move the request up in priority. If they continue to refuse, contact the EDD and request an independent medical examination instead.

Do I need to use the EDD's form, or can my doctor use their own form?

The EDD requires the official Physician's Statement form. Your doctor's own form or a letter from your doctor is not sufficient. Always use the EDD form, even if your doctor prefers a different format.

How long does it take the EDD to make a decision after they receive the Physician's Statement?

The EDD typically makes a decision within two to three weeks after receiving a complete Physician's Statement, though this varies depending on how busy they are and whether they need to ask your doctor follow-up questions. You will receive a written notice in the mail.

What if the EDD denies my claim and says the Physician's Statement was not convincing enough?

You have the right to appeal. You can submit additional medical records, ask your doctor to write a more detailed statement, or request a hearing before an administrative law judge who will review all the medical evidence again.