Apply for Disability Insurance
If you think you’re eligible for disability benefits, file a claim to apply.
File a Claim
You may be eligible for Disability Insurance (DI) if you are unable to work and are losing wages because of your own non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
How Do I File for Disability?
You can file the Claim for Disability Insurance (DI) Benefits (DE 2501) (PDF) claim by mail or even faster using SDI Online. You must create an account with us through myEDD to file and manage your disability claim with SDI Online.
Note: You will need to choose how you receive your benefit payments when you file your claim.
To learn more, review the step-by-step overview for the DI Claim Process. Review the DI Benefits and Payments FAQs for detailed answers to commonly asked questions, including How Do I Apply for Disability Insurance?
What to Expect After You Have Filed for Disability
Once we receive your completed claim application, we will determine your eligibility. You can expect this process to take up to 14 days.
Note: Processing time may vary depending on the claim. If your claim is incomplete or requires additional information, confirming eligibility can be delayed.
During this time, we will send you a Notice of Computation (DE 429D) to inform you of your potential weekly benefit amount based on the wages you earned in your base period.
Receiving this notice does not confirm your eligibility to receive DI benefits.
Eligibility Status Determined
Once your claim has been processed, you will receive a notice outlining that you are either:
If you are eligible for benefits, you will be sent an Electronic Benefit Payment Notification (DE 2500E).
Before you receive benefits, you will have an unpaid seven-day waiting period. The first payable day is the eighth day of the claim.
Review the DI Benefits and Payments FAQs for more information.
If you are not eligible, we will send you a Notice of Determination (DE 2517) and an Appeal Form (DE 1000A). You have the right to appeal any decision by completing the DE 1000A electronically or by mail within 30 days of the date your appeal form was issued.
Manage Benefits
Once you begin receiving benefits, you’ll need to manage your benefits correctly. This includes knowing when and how to continue your benefits or stop your benefit payments, if you have recovered or returned to work.
Learn how to manage your benefits and your online account using myEDD and SDI Online to make sure that information is reported accurately and you are paid the correct benefits.
Am I Eligible for DI?
Find DI Information for You
Register for myEDD
Creating an account is an important step in this process. With myEDD, you can apply for Disability Insurance and manage your claim in SDI Online.
Additional Resources
Can’t find what you are looking for? View these DI and PFL resources for more information.