What forms you need depends on whether you are filing a new claim or appealing a decision

California State Disability Insurance (SDI) uses different forms at different stages. When you file for the first time, you submit one form. If the state denies your claim, you use a different form to request reconsideration. If you disagree with that decision, you file yet another form to request a hearing. The form you need depends entirely on where you are in the process, not on the type of disability.

The state publishes all forms on the Employment Development Department (EDD) website. You can read them, fill them out by hand or on your computer, and mail or fax them in. Some forms can also be submitted through your online SDI account if you have created one. Knowing which form to use and what to include with it saves weeks of back-and-forth.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DI 1 is the initial claim form; you submit it with a doctor's statement and proof of identity to start a new SDI claim.
  • Form DI 9 is the reconsideration request; you file it if the state denies your claim and you want them to review it again.
  • Form DI 9-1 requests a hearing before a judge if you disagree with the reconsideration decision.
  • The EDD website has a forms page where you can read current versions; using an outdated form can delay processing.
  • Each form requires specific supporting documents, and submitting incomplete paperwork is the most common reason for delays.

Form DI 1: Filing your initial claim

Form DI 1 is the process you submit when you first file for SDI. It asks for your name, Social Security number, date of birth, employer information, and the date your disability began. You also declare whether you are receiving workers' compensation or unemployment insurance at the same time, because those programs affect your SDI payment.

You must submit Form DI 1 with a medical statement from your doctor. The state provides a separate form for this — Form DI 484 — which your doctor fills out and signs. This form describes your condition, when it started, what work restrictions you have, and how long the doctor expects the disability to last. Without a completed DI 484, the state will not process your claim.

You also need proof of identity. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. Mail or fax the completed DI 1, the signed DI 484, and a copy of your ID to the address listed on the form. Processing normally takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives all documents. If documents are missing, the state sends a notice asking you to submit them within a set time frame.

Form DI 9: Requesting reconsideration after a denial

If the state denies your initial claim, you receive a written decision explaining the reason. Common reasons include that the state determined you do not meet the medical definition of disability, or that your doctor did not provide enough detail about your condition. You have 20 calendar days from the date on the denial letter to request that the state reconsider.

Form DI 9 is the reconsideration request. You fill it out, explain why you disagree with the denial, and attach any new medical evidence or documents you want the state to review. This is your chance to submit additional information — for example, a more detailed letter from your doctor, test results, or hospital records that were not included with your initial claim. The state reviews the original claim plus everything you submit with the DI 9.

Mail or fax the completed Form DI 9 and supporting documents to the address on the form. You must submit it within the 20-day window, so send it early and keep a copy for your records. Reconsideration decisions usually take four to six weeks. If the state denies reconsideration, you receive another written decision that explains your right to request a hearing.

Form DI 9-1: Requesting a hearing before a judge

If the state denies your reconsideration request, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testimony, and the judge makes a new decision based on what is presented at the hearing.

Form DI 9-1 is the hearing request form. You have 20 calendar days from the date of the reconsideration denial letter to file it. On this form, you state why you disagree with the reconsideration decision and what you want the judge to do. You can also request that the hearing be held by telephone instead of in person, or request a postponement if you need more time to prepare.

Mail or fax the completed DI 9-1 to the address on the form within the 20-day important date. The state then schedules a hearing date, usually four to eight weeks after you file. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location (or phone number if you requested a telephone hearing). At the hearing, you can present documents, have your doctor testify, or testify yourself about why you believe you are disabled.

Medical forms your doctor must complete

Form DI 484 is the medical statement form that your doctor completes for an initial claim. It is the most important supporting document because it is the only place where your doctor formally describes your medical condition to the state. The form asks for the diagnosis, when the condition started, what symptoms you have, what physical or mental limitations result from the condition, and how long the doctor expects the disability to last.

Your doctor must sign and date the form. If your doctor's office is unfamiliar with SDI forms, you can read DI 484 from the EDD website and bring it to your appointment. Some doctors charge a fee to complete the form; ask before you submit it. If your doctor will not complete it, you can ask another doctor who is treating you for the same condition.

For reconsideration or hearing requests, you may submit additional medical documents — letters from your doctor, specialist reports, test results, or hospital discharge summaries. These do not have to be on a state form; any document on your doctor's letterhead that describes your condition and limitations is acceptable.

Where to find and submit forms

The EDD website has a dedicated forms page at edd.ca.gov. Search for "SDI forms" or "disability forms" to find the current versions of DI 1, DI 9, DI 9-1, and DI 484. read the PDF, print it, and fill it out by hand or on your computer before printing. Do not use forms from other websites or older versions you may have saved — the state updates forms periodically, and using an outdated version can cause delays.

You can submit forms by mail or fax. The address and fax number are printed on each form. Some people create an online SDI account on the EDD website and upload documents there instead. If you use the online account, you can track the status of your claim and see decisions as soon as they are issued. Mail delivery normally takes five to seven business days, so if you are near a important date, fax or use the online account instead.

Keep copies of everything you submit. Write the date you mailed or faxed it on your copy, and save any confirmation numbers or receipts. If the state says it did not receive something, you have proof of when you sent it.

Common mistakes that delay processing

The most frequent error is submitting an incomplete medical statement. If your doctor leaves blank spaces on Form DI 484 or does not sign it, the state will ask you to resubmit it. This adds two to four weeks to processing time. Before you mail the form, check that every question is answered and that your doctor has signed and dated it.

Another common mistake is missing the important date to file a reconsideration or hearing request. The 20-day window is strict — if you mail it on day 21, it is late and the state will not accept it. If you receive a denial letter, mark the important date on your calendar when ready and submit your request at least three days before the important date to account for mail delivery time.

Some people submit documents that are hard to read — faxes that are too faint, photocopies that are blurry, or photos of documents taken at an angle. If the state cannot read a document, it will ask you to resubmit it. Make sure copies are clear and straight before you send them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the forms online and submit them electronically?

You can create an online SDI account on the EDD website and upload completed forms and documents there. This is faster than mailing or faxing because the state receives them when ready. However, you still need to print the forms, fill them out, and scan or photograph them to upload. Some forms can be filled out directly in the PDF before printing, which makes the process slightly faster.

What if my doctor will not complete Form DI 484?

You can ask another doctor who is treating you for the same condition to complete the form instead. If no doctor will complete it, you can write a letter explaining why and submit it with your claim. The state may then request that you see a state-selected doctor for an examination. This delays processing but does not automatically deny your claim.

Do I need to notarize the forms?

No. Form DI 1, DI 9, and DI 9-1 do not need to be notarized. Your signature alone is sufficient. Your doctor's signature on Form DI 484 also does not need to be notarized.

What happens if I miss the 20-day important date to file a reconsideration or hearing request?

If you miss the important date, the state will not accept your request. However, you can file a late request if you have "good cause" — for example, if you were hospitalized and did not receive the denial letter. You must explain the reason for the delay in writing. The state decides whether to accept the late request, but there is no harm in trying.

Can I submit forms by email?

The EDD does not accept forms by email. You must mail, fax, or upload them through your online SDI account. If you try to email forms, they will not be processed and you may miss a important date without realizing it.