How to verify disability status in California?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/24/2025
Whether you're applying for benefits, renewing services, or needing documentation for work, knowing how to verify your disability status in California is an essential step. Depending on whether you're receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or State Disability Insurance (SDI) through California's Employment Development Department (EDD), the verification process may differ.

Here’s a breakdown to help you understand what you need and where to get it.
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Verifying Federal Disability Status (SSDI or SSI)
If you’re receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you can verify your disability status in several ways:
Use Your Award Letter
When you’re approved for SSDI or SSI, the SSA sends an award letter confirming your eligibility and monthly benefit amount. This letter serves as official proof of disability.
If you lost the letter, you can request a new one:
- Online at www.ssa.gov (create or log into your My Social Security account)
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213
- In person at a local SSA office in California
Request a Benefit Verification Letter
Also called a proof of income letter, this document verifies:
- That you're receiving disability benefits
- The type of benefit (SSDI or SSI)
- Monthly benefit amounts
- When your benefits started
You can download this letter through your My Social Security account.
Verifying State Disability Insurance (SDI) in California
If you're receiving California State Disability Insurance (SDI) through the EDD, your verification process is slightly different.
Use Your EDD Notice of Computation
When you’re approved for SDI, the EDD sends you a Notice of Computation (DE 429D), showing your benefit eligibility and payment amounts. This is your initial verification.
Request a Copy Through Your SDI Online Account
To access your claim info:
- Log into your EDD SDI Online account
- Navigate to your current claim
- Download or print your claim confirmation, payment history, or benefit notices
Contact EDD for Assistance
Call the EDD Disability Insurance office at 1-800-480-3287 for help verifying or reissuing documents.
When You Might Need to Verify Disability Status
You may be asked to provide proof of your disability status for:
- Employment accommodations or leave (e.g., FMLA)
- Housing applications or rent assistance
- Healthcare providers or insurance companies
- Utility or transportation discounts
- Other state or federal benefit programs
Make sure your verification is current and matches your active benefit type.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Navigating state and federal disability systems can be confusing—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Hogan Smith, we help Californians with:
- Understanding the difference between SSDI, SSI, and SDI
- Requesting and interpreting benefit verification letters
- Communicating with SSA or EDD to resolve document issues
- Appealing denied claims or updating medical status
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you need help verifying your disability status in California—or you’re not sure which program you’re in—contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. We'll help you get the documents you need and make sure your disability status is clearly and correctly verified.
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