Do I need to create new account for EDD SDI after using UI portal before?
I just got my Notice of Computation for my SDI claim (yay!) but now I'm confused about the online access. I already have an EDD account that I set up last year when I was on unemployment for a few months. Do I need to create a completely new account for disability, or can I use the same login info? When I tried logging in with my existing account, it's showing me my old UI stuff but nothing about my disability claim. I tried clicking around but don't see anything about SDI. Anyone know if I need to register again specifically for SDI or am I missing something obvious? Really don't want to mess this up and delay my payments!
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Sean O'Donnell
You need to register for SDI Online separately even if you already have an account for UI. They use different systems. Go to the EDD website, look for Benefit Programs Online, and there should be an option to register for SDI Online. You'll use the same email as your UI account, but it's a separate registration process. Once you register, you'll be able to manage your disability claim online.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Thank you so much! I thought maybe I was going crazy because I couldn't find any disability info. Will do this right away. Appreciate the help!
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Zara Ahmed
ya im pretty sure u need diff accounts for each program. the whole edd system is super confusing lol
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StarStrider
•You're absolutely right. EDD has three separate portals - UI Online for unemployment, SDI Online for disability/PFL, and a separate portal for employers. It's confusing by design! Each requires separate registration even though they're all under the EDD umbrella. Once you register for SDI Online, you'll be able to check your claim status, payment history, and submit any follow-up certifications if needed. Just make sure to remember your login credentials since you'll need them throughout your disability claim period.
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Luca Esposito
I had this EXACT same problem last month and spent THREE DAYS trying to figure it out!!! SO FRUSTRATING!!! The EDD website is seriously the worst designed government site ever. Why wouldn't they tell people this upfront??
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Nia Thompson
•I feel your frustration! I went through this in January and almost lost my mind. After not being able to reach anyone on the phone for days, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd showing how it works. The agent walked me through registering for SDI Online and even helped fix some issues with my claim while I had them on the phone. Saved me hours of frustration with busy signals and hangups.
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Mateo Rodriguez
I just went thru this same thing! You definitely need to register for SDI separately. Once you do, you'll see all your disability claim stuff. It's super annoying they don't make this clearer or just have one system for everything. But at least the SDI system works pretty well once you're in it. My payments started coming about 10 days after I registered online.
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Aisha Abdullah
When i had disability in 2023 i had to make a new account even tho i had ui before that. totally different systems. kinda dumb but whatever, government stuff is always complicated lol
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Ethan Wilson
•So I actually work in HR and deal with this all the time - the reason they have separate systems is because they're funded differently. UI is employer-funded while SDI is employee-funded through payroll deduction in California. They were developed decades apart and never integrated. Pro tip: make sure your SDI Online password is different from your UI Online password! I've seen people get locked out because the systems conflict if you use identical credentials.
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StarStrider
Here's a step-by-step guide to register for SDI Online: 1. Go to https://edd.ca.gov/en/Benefit_Programs_Online/ 2. Click "Register" 3. Select "SDI Online" (not UI Online) in the registration options 4. Enter your personal information (same as what's on your claim) 5. Create security questions and password 6. After registering, wait about 24 hours for the system to link your claim information After registration is complete, you'll be able to see your payment information, claim status, and certification requirements. The system will also allow you to message EDD directly about your claim which is much more effective than calling in many cases.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•This is amazing! Thank you for the detailed steps. I just finished registering and you're right - all my claim info is now visible. Such a relief!
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Zara Ahmed
side question but does anyone know how long until i get my first payment once i can see my claim online? been waiting 2 weeks already
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Sean O'Donnell
•Generally, first payments are issued within 14 calendar days after your claim is approved (which means your doctor has submitted their portion and EDD has processed it). If you can see your claim is approved online, you should receive payment within a few days. If it's still pending, there might be an issue with your medical certification. Remember there's a 7-day waiting period at the beginning of all SDI claims where no benefits are paid.
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Rosie Harper
Just wanted to add my experience - I made the same mistake initially and kept trying to access my SDI claim through my UI account for about a week before figuring out they were separate systems. One thing that helped me was bookmarking both portals once I got them set up: UI Online and SDI Online have completely different URLs. Also, if you're planning to use direct deposit (which I highly recommend), you can set that up during the SDI Online registration process or add it later in your profile. Way faster than waiting for paper checks! The whole separate systems thing is definitely annoying but at least SDI Online is pretty user-friendly once you're in.
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Freya Larsen
•This is such helpful advice! I'm new to all this and was definitely getting confused about the different systems. The bookmarking tip is genius - I'll definitely do that once I get registered. Quick question though - when you set up direct deposit during registration, how long did it take for that to go into effect? I'm hoping to avoid any delays with paper checks if possible.
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