What forms you'll need to file for SDI
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) requires two main forms: Form DE 2501 (process for Disability Insurance Benefits) and Form DE 2507 (Physician's Certificate). You submit both to the Employment Development Department (EDD) at the same time. The DE 2501 is where you describe your condition and when it started; the DE 2507 is the medical certification your doctor completes. Without both, the EDD cannot process your claim.
You can file these forms by mail, by phone, or through the EDD online portal. The online method is fastest — you can upload documents directly and track your claim status in real time. If you file by mail, send both forms to the EDD office that serves your county. If you call, an EDD representative will take your information over the phone and mail you the forms to sign and return.
The forms themselves are free. You do not pay to file, and the EDD does not charge a fee to process your claim. The only cost is the medical exam your doctor may charge to complete the physician's certificate, though some doctors waive this for patients already under their care.
Key Takeaways
- Form DE 2501 (your process) and Form DE 2507 (your doctor's medical certification) must both be submitted together for the EDD to begin processing your claim.
- You can file online through the EDD portal, by mail to your county office, or by phone — online is the fastest route and lets you track your claim status.
- Your doctor completes the DE 2507; you cannot fill it out yourself, and the EDD will not accept a form signed by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant unless they are authorized to diagnose in California.
- The forms are free, but your doctor may charge a fee to complete the medical certification if you are not already a regular patient.
Form DE 2501: What to include in your process
The DE 2501 asks for your personal information, your work history, and details about your condition. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and the dates you worked for your current employer. Have your pay stubs or last few paychecks available — the EDD uses these to calculate your benefit amount.
In the section about your disability, describe what is preventing you from working: pain, fatigue, mobility limits, cognitive changes, or other symptoms. Write the date your condition started or became severe enough to stop work. Be specific about what you cannot do — "cannot stand for more than 30 minutes" is more useful to the EDD than "back pain." If your condition is temporary (like recovery from surgery), give the expected date you can return to work. If it is ongoing, write "unknown" or the date your doctor expects you to improve.
List the name and address of the doctor or clinic treating you. The EDD will contact them directly to request the medical certification, so make sure this information is correct. If you see multiple providers, list the one most familiar with your condition.
Form DE 2507: What your doctor needs to complete
The DE 2507 is a medical form only your doctor can sign. It asks your doctor to confirm that you have a condition preventing you from working, describe the condition and its severity, and estimate how long you will be unable to work. Your doctor does not need to write a separate letter — the form itself is the certification the EDD needs.
You can give your doctor the blank form yourself, or the EDD can mail it directly to your doctor's office. If you give it to them in person, include a stamped, addressed envelope so they can mail it back to the EDD without extra steps. If the EDD mails it, your doctor's office has 20 days to return it. If your doctor does not return it within that time, the EDD will send you a notice and may deny your claim unless you provide the certification later.
Your doctor must be licensed to diagnose in California — an MD, DO, or licensed psychologist. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can sign only if they are independently licensed and authorized to diagnose. Chiropractors cannot sign the DE 2507 for SDI purposes, even if they are treating you.
How to file your forms with the EDD
The fastest way to file is through the EDD online portal at edd.ca.gov. Create an account, log in, and select "File a New Claim." Upload your completed DE 2501 and any medical documents you have. You can upload the DE 2507 later if your doctor has not completed it yet — the EDD will also request it directly from your doctor's office. Once you submit online, you will receive a confirmation number and can check your claim status anytime by logging back in.
If you prefer to mail your forms, send both the DE 2501 and DE 2507 to the EDD office serving your county. You can find the correct address on the EDD website or by calling 1-800-480-3287. Mail takes longer — allow 7 to 10 business days for the EDD to receive and begin processing your claim. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and phone number so the EDD can contact you if they have questions.
You can also file by phone by calling 1-800-480-3287. An EDD representative will take your information and mail you the forms to sign and return. This method is slower than online filing but may be easier if you have questions while filling out the form.
What happens after you submit your forms
Once the EDD receives both your DE 2501 and DE 2507, they will review your medical information and work history. This review usually takes 7 to 14 days. If the EDD approves your claim, you will receive a notice in the mail with your weekly benefit amount and the first payment date. Payments are deposited into your bank account or loaded onto a debit card, depending on how you set it up.
If the EDD needs more information, they will mail you a notice asking for specific documents or details. You will have 10 days to respond. If you do not respond, the EDD may deny your claim. If the EDD denies your claim, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
While your claim is being reviewed, you do not receive payments. SDI does not pay retroactively to the date you stopped working — it pays from the date the EDD approves your claim. This is why filing as soon as you know you cannot work is important: the sooner you file, the sooner payments can begin.
Common mistakes when filling out disability forms
The most common mistake is submitting the DE 2501 without the DE 2507. The EDD cannot process your claim without both forms. If you send only the process, the EDD will mail you a notice asking for the medical certification. This adds weeks to the process. Always send both forms together, or file online and let the EDD request the medical form from your doctor.
Another frequent error is providing incomplete information on the DE 2501 — missing your doctor's name, wrong phone number, or vague description of your condition. The EDD uses this information to contact your doctor and understand your case. If the information is incomplete, the EDD will contact you to clarify, which delays your claim. Before you submit, check that every field is filled in and that your doctor's contact information is current.
Some people wait too long to file. SDI does not pay for the time before you file your claim, so waiting weeks or months after you stop working means you lose those weeks of potential payments. File as soon as you know you cannot work due to a medical condition.
Where to get the forms and more information
You can read both Form DE 2501 and Form DE 2507 from the EDD website at edd.ca.gov. Search for "disability forms" or navigate to the SDI section. The forms are available in English and Spanish. You can print them and fill them out by hand, or fill them out on your computer and print them to sign.
If you have questions about which form to use or what information to include, call the EDD at 1-800-480-3287. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Wait times can be long, especially early in the week, so consider calling later in the week or later in the day if possible.
You can also visit an EDD office in person if you live near one. Find your local office on the EDD website. Bring your Social Security number, driver's license, and any medical documents you have. An EDD representative can answer questions and help you file your claim on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my claim before my doctor completes the medical form?
Yes. You can submit your DE 2501 online or by mail without the DE 2507, and the EDD will mail the medical form directly to your doctor. However, your claim will not be processed until the EDD receives the completed medical certification. Filing both forms together is faster because it avoids this extra step.
What if my doctor will not complete the form?
If your doctor refuses to sign the DE 2507, you can request a different provider complete it — a specialist, urgent care clinic, or another doctor who has examined you. If no doctor will certify your condition, the EDD will likely deny your claim because they have no medical evidence that you cannot work. You can appeal this decision and provide additional medical records.
Do I need to include medical records with my process?
You do not have to, but you can. The DE 2507 from your doctor is the main medical document the EDD needs. If you have recent test results, imaging reports, or specialist letters that support your claim, including them can help the EDD understand your condition faster. Upload them with your online claim or mail them with your forms.
How long does it take to hear back after I submit my forms?
The EDD usually reviews your claim within 7 to 14 days of receiving both forms. You will receive a notice in the mail with a decision. If the EDD approves your claim, the notice will include your weekly benefit amount and payment start date. If they need more information, the notice will tell you what to send and give you 10 days to respond.
Can I file for SDI while I am still working part-time?
Yes, but your benefits will be reduced. SDI pays a percentage of your lost wages, so if you are earning some income, your weekly benefit will be lower. Report any work income on your claim form so the EDD can calculate the correct amount. If you earn more than a certain threshold per week, you may not receive any SDI payment that week.