Where to Request Your W-2 From EDD SDI

California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) program issues a Form 1099-G, not a W-2. This is the tax form that reports disability benefits you received during the year. You can request it from the Employment Development Department (EDD) online through your SDI account, by phone at 1-800-480-3287, or by mail to the EDD office that processed your claim.

The form arrives by mail in late January or early February each year, covering all benefits paid in the previous calendar year. If you do not receive it by mid-February, contact EDD directly with your Social Security number and the year you need. EDD will reissue it or provide a transcript of payments if the original form was lost.

You will need this form to file your state and federal income taxes, because SDI benefits are taxable income. The 1099-G shows the total amount EDD paid you, which you report on your tax return.

Key Takeaways

  • EDD sends a 1099-G form (not a W-2) to report your SDI benefits paid during the year, arriving in late January or early February.
  • You can request a copy online through your EDD account, by calling 1-800-480-3287, or by mailing a written request to your local EDD office.
  • SDI benefits are taxable income and must be reported on both your federal and California state tax returns using the 1099-G.
  • If you do not receive your form by mid-February, contact EDD with your Social Security number and the tax year you need.

Why EDD Issues a 1099-G Instead of a W-2

A W-2 is used for wages paid by an employer who withholds taxes from your paycheck. SDI is not employment income—it is a government benefit paid when you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Because EDD is not your employer, it issues a 1099-G instead, which reports miscellaneous income including government benefits.

The 1099-G does not show any taxes withheld, because EDD does not automatically deduct federal or state income tax from disability payments. You are responsible for reporting the full benefit amount on your tax return. If you owe taxes on your SDI benefits, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments or adjust your withholding if you have other income.

How to Access Your 1099-G Online

The fastest way to get your form is through your EDD online account. Log in at edd.ca.gov using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and your password. Once logged in, go to the "Tax Forms" or "1099-G" section, which is usually found under "Documents" or "My Account."

You can view your 1099-G when ready and print it yourself. This is useful if you need it before the mailed copy arrives or if you lost the original. If you do not have an online account, you can create one at the same website using your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address.

If you cannot access the online system or do not have internet access, phone or mail are your other options. Keep a copy of any 1099-G you print for your records, even after you file your taxes.

Requesting a Replacement 1099-G by Phone or Mail

Call EDD's SDI line at 1-800-480-3287 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time). Have your Social Security number, the tax year you need, and your current mailing address ready. EDD will mail a replacement form to you, which typically arrives within two to three weeks.

If you prefer to write, send a letter to your local EDD office requesting a 1099-G for the specific year. Include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. You can find your local office address on the EDD website or by calling the main number. Mail requests take longer than phone requests, usually four to six weeks.

What to Do If Your 1099-G Shows the Wrong Amount

Compare the amount on your 1099-G to your own records of payments received. If the form shows a different total than what you actually received, contact EDD when ready. Errors can happen if a payment was delayed, if your case was reopened mid-year, or if a payment was reversed due to an overpayment information.

Call 1-800-480-3287 with your Social Security number and the discrepancy you found. EDD can review your payment history and issue a corrected 1099-G if an error is confirmed. A corrected form is labeled as such and will have the correct amount. Keep both the original and corrected forms for your tax records.

Do not file your taxes using an incorrect 1099-G. If you file before the error is corrected, you may need to file an amended return once you receive the corrected form. It is better to wait or contact EDD first.

Reporting Your 1099-G on Your Tax Return

When you file your federal income tax return, report the amount from your 1099-G on Form 1040, Schedule 1 (Other Income). The line for "Unemployment compensation" also includes SDI benefits. Your tax software will usually prompt you to enter this information, or your tax preparer will ask for the form.

For California state taxes, report the same amount on your California Form 540 (or 540-2NR if you are a nonresident). California taxes SDI benefits the same way the federal government does. If you received SDI benefits and had no other income, you may still need to file a return depending on the total amount and your filing status.

Keep your 1099-G with your tax records for at least three years in case the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board asks questions about your return. If you received benefits in multiple years, you will receive a separate 1099-G for each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my 1099-G before January?

No. EDD does not issue 1099-G forms until late January at the earliest, because the form must reflect all benefits paid during the entire calendar year. If you need proof of benefits before then, you can print a payment history from your online EDD account or request a letter from EDD showing your benefit amounts.

What if I never received my 1099-G in the mail?

Check your online EDD account first—the form may be available there even if the mailed copy has not arrived. If it is not there by mid-February, call 1-800-480-3287 to request a replacement. Have your current mailing address ready, as mail may have been sent to an old address if you moved.

Do I have to pay taxes on my SDI benefits?

Yes, SDI benefits are taxable income at both the federal and state level. However, whether you actually owe tax depends on the total amount you received and your other income. A tax preparer or the IRS Free File program can help you determine if you have a tax liability.

What if I received SDI benefits but never got a 1099-G?

Contact EDD when ready. If you received benefits, EDD should have issued a form. It may have been mailed to an old address, lost in the mail, or there may be a record error. Call 1-800-480-3287 with your Social Security number and the year in question so EDD can investigate and reissue the form if needed.