< Back to California Disability

Anastasia Sokolov

EDD SDI requesting additional documents - how to submit ID and W2 for verification?

I'm so confused about submitting additional documents for my disability claim. I filed for SDI last week after my surgery and just got an email saying they need to verify my identity and income. They're asking for my ID and W2 forms but don't give clear instructions on how to upload them! The email just says "submit requested documentation" with no link or mailing address. I tried logging into SDI Online but don't see any upload option. Has anyone had to send in documents recently? Do I mail them? Is there a special form I need to include? Getting really anxious since my claim is on hold until they get these documents!

i had to do this 2 months ago. u can actually fax the documents to them, thats what i did. the fax # should be on the notice they sent u

0 coins

Thanks! I checked the email again but don't see any fax number. Is there a general EDD SDI fax number I can use? I've never sent a fax before - do I need to include my claim number on every page?

0 coins

The EDD is confusing with their document submissions. You have three options: 1. Mail copies (not originals) to the address on your notice along with your claim number written on each page 2. Fax to the SDI document verification unit at 1-855-235-2245 3. Use the SDI Online message center - log in, click on "Contact EDD", select "Submit Documentation" and you can attach files there Make sure to include your full name and claim number on everything you send. If you received a specific document request form with a barcode, include that as the cover page.

0 coins

Thank you so much! I didn't even notice the Contact EDD section had a document option. I'll try that right now since it seems easiest.

0 coins

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT NIGHTMARE last month!!! The upload feature in the message center DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK! I tried 4 times and my documents never got processed. Had to call them 8 times before someone finally told me to mail everything certified with return receipt so I could prove they got it. This is how they deny claims - making it impossible to send documents correctly!! So frustrating!!!

0 coins

Oh no, that's really concerning. My doctor says I can't return to work for at least 6 weeks and I really need this claim to process. Should I just do all three methods to be safe?

0 coins

I had to submit additional verification for my pregnancy disability claim in January. The online upload system worked fine for me, but there are a few tricks: 1. File size limit is 5MB total, so you might need to compress photos or scan at lower resolution 2. Make sure all documents are clear and every corner is visible 3. Name the files with your claim number first (example: DE1234567_ID.pdf) 4. After uploading, wait for the confirmation number and write it down 5. Check back in 7-10 business days to see if they've processed them Alternatively, if you're having trouble reaching someone at EDD to confirm they received your documents, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD agent. They have a service that connects you directly to disability representatives instead of waiting for hours. I was skeptical but they got me through in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd

0 coins

does that actually work? edd never answers wen i call!

0 coins

When I applied for SDI benefits after my knee surgery, they asked for additional documents too. I scanned and uploaded through the SDI Online portal, but then realized they wanted BOTH sides of my ID! Had to resubmit everything. The key is to read their request very carefully. They often want specific things like: - Front AND back of any IDs - All pages of W2s including the blank ones - SSN card might need to be submitted separately Also, keep checking your messages in the portal daily. Sometimes they'll send follow-up requests that are easy to miss. I'd recommend uploading documents AND mailing copies as backup if you're worried about delays.

0 coins

Thanks for the detailed advice! I didn't even think about scanning both sides of my ID. I'll definitely do that. How long did your claim take to process after you sent in the documents?

0 coins

It took about 10 business days after they confirmed receiving all my documents. So roughly 2 weeks total. Once everything was verified, they processed my payments pretty quickly after that. Just keep an eye on your claim status daily - it'll change from "pending identity verification" to "processing" when they've accepted your documents.

0 coins

when i had to send stuff to edd last year i just used the upload in the message center but i did it from a computer not my phone cuz the phone version is buggy and i think thats why some people have problems just sayin

0 coins

That's a good point! I've been trying to do everything from my phone since I'm recovering in bed. I'll try to use my laptop instead. Thank you!

0 coins

Has anyone had their documents rejected for quality issues? I had to submit FOUR TIMES because they kept saying my ID was "not legible" even though it was a crystal clear scan. Just another way they delay paying benefits if you ask me.

0 coins

I've helped several people with document submission issues. The most common problems are: 1. Image too dark or too light 2. Glare from taking photos of IDs with flash 3. File too compressed (pixelated) 4. Cut-off corners or edges 5. Documents not flat when scanned (shadows in creases) If you're sending photos, try placing documents on a dark background in natural light without flash. If scanning, use at least 300 dpi and make sure the scanner bed is clean.

0 coins

UPDATE: I followed everyone's advice and uploaded my documents through the SDI Online message center using my laptop instead of my phone. I also mailed copies to the address on the notice just to be safe. The online system gave me a confirmation number, so that's promising! Now I just wait, I guess. Thank you all for the help - this community is amazing!

0 coins

Glad you got it submitted! Now just keep checking your account daily. Sometimes they process things faster than they say they will.

0 coins

good luck hope u get paid soon!!

0 coins

Great job getting everything submitted! Just wanted to add one more tip for anyone else reading this - if you're mailing documents as backup like Anastasia did, make sure to write "COPY - DO NOT RETURN" on each page. EDD sometimes tries to return original documents which can get lost in the mail and delay your claim even more. Also keep digital copies of everything you submit for your own records. The whole process is stressful enough without losing important paperwork!

0 coins

I went through this same process about 6 months ago after my back surgery. One thing that really helped me was calling the EDD SDI customer service line (1-800-480-3287) right after I submitted my documents online to confirm they received them. I know the wait times are brutal, but if you call first thing in the morning around 8 AM, you have a better chance of getting through. The representative was able to tell me exactly what documents they had on file and if anything was missing or unclear. It gave me peace of mind knowing everything was processed correctly instead of just waiting and hoping. Also, make sure you have your claim number ready when you call - they ask for it immediately. Hope your claim processes smoothly!

0 coins

That's really helpful advice about calling to confirm! I never thought about calling right after submitting to make sure they got everything. 8 AM is definitely worth trying - I've been calling later in the day and just getting endless hold music. Did they give you any timeline estimate when you called, or just confirm receipt? I'm hoping to avoid the stress of wondering if my documents made it through the system properly.

0 coins

I'm dealing with the same document request right now! Just got the email yesterday asking for ID and W2 verification. Reading through all these responses is super helpful - I had no idea there were multiple ways to submit documents. I was panicking thinking I had to figure out how to mail everything. Going to try the online upload through the message center first using my computer like GalaxyGuardian suggested. The tip about scanning both sides of the ID is crucial - I definitely would have missed that! Also planning to keep digital copies of everything and write down that confirmation number. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, this community really helps reduce the stress of navigating EDD!

0 coins

You're so smart to read through all these responses first! I wish I had found this thread before I submitted my documents - would have saved me a lot of stress. Definitely use your computer for the upload, and make sure your files are named clearly with your claim number. One thing I learned the hard way is to double-check that all your documents are right-side up and properly oriented before uploading. I had to resubmit my W2 because I accidentally uploaded it sideways! Also, if you have any trouble with the file size limits, try using a PDF compression tool online. Good luck with your claim - hopefully it processes quickly for you!

0 coins

I just went through this exact same process last month! The document submission can definitely be confusing. I ended up doing what several people here recommended - used both the online upload AND mailed copies as backup. For the online method, make sure you're logged into SDI Online, go to "Contact EDD" then select "Submit Documentation" from the dropdown. The key things I learned: scan at high resolution (300+ dpi), make sure there's no glare or shadows, include your claim number in the filename, and definitely scan BOTH sides of your ID. I also wrote my claim number on each page before scanning. It took about 8 business days for them to process once I got confirmation they received everything. The dual submission method gave me peace of mind - one way or another they got my documents! Keep checking your claim status daily once you submit, and don't hesitate to call if you don't see any updates after 10 business days.

0 coins

This is such great comprehensive advice! I'm just starting my SDI claim process and bookmarking this whole thread for when I inevitably get the document request. The dual submission approach seems like the smartest way to go - better safe than sorry with EDD! Quick question - when you mailed the backup copies, did you use certified mail or just regular mail? I'm wondering if it's worth the extra cost for the tracking and delivery confirmation, especially after reading about some people's documents getting lost in the system.

0 coins

@Aisha Mahmood I used certified mail with return receipt requested - cost about $8 extra but totally worth it for the peace of mind! That way I had proof they received my documents and the exact date/time of delivery. Given how many people mention documents getting lost "in" EDD s'system, the tracking protection is invaluable. Regular mail is just too risky when your benefits are on the line. Some post offices also offer Informed "Delivery service" for free which emails you photos of incoming mail, so you can track when EDD sends you any follow-up notices too.

0 coins

I'm going through this exact situation right now! Just got the document request email this morning and was completely lost on how to actually submit everything. This thread is a lifesaver - I had no idea about the multiple submission options or all the technical details like scanning both sides of ID and file naming conventions. Planning to follow the comprehensive approach everyone's recommending: upload through SDI Online message center from my computer (not phone), mail certified copies as backup, and call to confirm receipt. One question though - for those who successfully submitted W2 forms, did you need to include all the copies (employee, state, etc.) or just the main wage statement? My employer gave me like 4 different copies and I'm not sure which ones EDD actually needs for income verification.

0 coins

For the W2 forms, you typically just need to submit the main employee copy (Copy B or Copy C) - that's the one that shows your total wages and tax withholdings for the year. You don't need to send all the duplicate copies your employer gave you. Just make sure it's the version that clearly shows your SSN, employer info, and all the wage/tax boxes filled in. Some people also include their final pay stub from the year to show the wage progression, but the W2 is usually sufficient for income verification. If you're unsure, you could always include a brief note explaining which documents you're submitting and why. Better to be clear about what you're sending than to have them request clarification later!

0 coins

@Kevin Bell Just to add to what Zoe said - I submitted Copy B of my W2 the (To "Be Filed With Employee s'State, City or Local Income Tax Return copy" and) that worked perfectly. Make sure the document is completely flat when you scan it and all the numbers in the boxes are clearly visible. If any part of your W2 is faded or hard to read, you might want to request a duplicate from your employer s'HR department before submitting. I learned that lesson the hard way when EDD rejected my first submission because some of the wage amounts were too light to read properly. Also, if you worked for multiple employers last year, you ll'need W2s from all of them - don t'forget about any part-time jobs or contract work! Good luck with your submission!

0 coins

I just wanted to add something that might help others going through this process - if you're having trouble with the online upload system or worried about document quality, many local libraries and FedEx/UPS stores offer high-quality scanning services for a small fee (usually $1-2 per page). The staff there are experienced with getting documents scanned at the right resolution and can help ensure everything looks crisp and clear. I used this option for my ID because my home scanner kept creating shadows along the edges. The professional scan came out perfect and EDD accepted it on the first try. It's worth the small cost to avoid potential rejections and delays. Also, many of these locations can help you compress large PDF files if you're hitting the 5MB upload limit. Just make sure to bring a USB drive or have them email the files to you so you can upload them yourself later.

0 coins

That's such a smart tip about using professional scanning services! I never thought about that option but it makes total sense - especially for important documents like this where quality really matters. My home printer/scanner is pretty old and I've been worried about whether my scans would be clear enough. There's a FedEx Office right near me so I'll definitely check that out. Do you know if they can also help with file compression if needed? I have a feeling my documents might be too large for the 5MB limit. Thanks for sharing this - it's exactly the kind of practical advice that makes this whole process less stressful!

0 coins

@Jamal Brown Yes, most FedEx Office locations can definitely help with file compression! When I went to scan my documents, the employee showed me how they use Adobe Acrobat to reduce file sizes while maintaining quality. They can usually get documents under the 5MB limit without making them look pixelated. Some locations even let you use their computers for free if you re'a printing customer, so you could potentially handle the compression yourself with their guidance. I d'recommend calling ahead to confirm they offer these services at your specific location, but most of the ones I ve'been to are pretty helpful with document prep. It s'honestly worth the peace of mind knowing your docs will be crystal clear and properly formatted for EDD!

0 coins

Just want to echo what everyone's saying about using multiple submission methods - I did the same thing last year and it saved me so much stress! One additional tip that helped me: after uploading through the SDI Online message center, I took screenshots of the confirmation page and the file upload success messages. This gave me timestamped proof of what I submitted and when, which was super helpful when I called EDD to confirm receipt. Also, if you're scanning documents at home, try using a scanning app on your phone like CamScanner or Adobe Scan - they automatically adjust contrast and straighten images, which can produce better results than some older home scanners. The apps also let you save directly as PDFs and compress files if needed. Good luck to everyone dealing with this process - it's frustrating but you'll get through it!

0 coins

Taking screenshots of the confirmation pages is brilliant advice! I wish I had thought of that when I submitted my documents. It would have saved me so much anxiety wondering if everything went through properly. The scanning app suggestion is really helpful too - I've been struggling with my old scanner and didn't know these phone apps could produce professional-quality results. CamScanner sounds perfect for this since it handles the PDF conversion automatically. Thanks for sharing these practical tips! It's amazing how much easier this process becomes when you have the right tools and know all the little tricks. This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating EDD's confusing system.

0 coins

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually dealing with a similar document request right now for my maternity leave claim. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - if you're submitting multiple documents (like ID, W2, and additional forms), it's really helpful to create a simple cover letter listing everything you're sending along with your claim number and contact info. I typed up a one-page summary that said "Enclosed documents for claim #DE1234567: 1) Driver's License (front and back), 2) 2024 W2 from XYZ Company, 3) Social Security card" etc. This way there's no confusion about what you submitted if they need to reference it later. I submitted this cover letter as the first page both online and with my mailed copies. It only takes a few minutes to create but makes everything look more organized and professional. Also helps you keep track of exactly what you sent if you need to follow up later!

0 coins

That's such a professional approach! Creating a cover letter listing all the documents is really smart - it shows you're organized and makes it easier for EDD to process everything correctly. I never thought about including that kind of summary but it makes total sense, especially when you're submitting multiple items. It probably helps prevent any confusion on their end about what they received versus what they were expecting. I'm definitely going to use this idea when I submit my documents tomorrow. Do you think it's better to include the cover letter as a separate PDF or combine it with the other documents into one file? I want to make sure it doesn't get separated or cause any technical issues with the upload system.

0 coins

@AstroAdventurer I would recommend keeping the cover letter as a separate PDF file and uploading it first, before your actual documents. That way it appears at the top of your submission and EDD staff will see it immediately when they open your case file. If you combine everything into one large PDF, there's a risk the cover letter could get buried in the middle or at the end depending on how you merge the files. Plus, keeping them separate makes it easier to stay under the 5MB file size limit since you can optimize each document individually. When I did mine, I named the cover letter file "01_CoverLetter_ClaimDE1234567.pdf" and then numbered my other documents "02_DriverLicense_ClaimDE1234567.pdf" etc. This way they stay in the right order even if the system sorts them alphabetically. The numbering system also makes it super clear what order everything should be reviewed in!

0 coins

California Disability AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,087 users helped today