Who can apply
Unemployment requires sufficient covered wages and weekly eligibility, including ability and availability for work. Disability Insurance requires its own wage, disability and medical-certification screening; the same application does not cover both.
What help is available
Each program replaces part of qualifying lost earnings. EDD determines the award and required ongoing certifications.
Documents to prepare
For unemployment, gather employer, work-history and earnings information. For Disability Insurance, prepare the disability-start date and licensed health professional’s details.
How to get started
Use EDD to access myEDD: UI Online for unemployment or SDI Online for disability.
For unemployment, certify every two weeks. For disability, submit your portion and obtain medical certification; EDD generally instructs filing between day 9 and day 49 after disability begins. Save the receipt number for the health professional.
After applying
Watch EDD messages and respond to eligibility requests. Report work and income as directed. Filing a claim or receiving an account number does not establish approval.
Website screenshots
These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.
Common questions
Is disability claimed in UI Online?
No. Disability uses SDI Online; unemployment uses UI Online.
How often do unemployment claimants certify?
Every two weeks.
Is the applicant’s disability form enough?
No. EDD also needs the licensed health professional’s certification.
What if I quit or was fired?
EDD reviews unemployment eligibility; the reason requires assessment.
Sources and review
Application and program details: Unemployment eligibility, Disability claim process, SDI filing instructions.
Historical screenshots and background: USA Assistance. Screenshots may show an earlier application interface.
Historical screenshots: source reference.