Delaware Unemployment

Delaware Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Unemployment benefits in Delaware serve three major purposes:

• To promote statewide economic stability by providing temporary, partial income replacement to workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own
• To ensure adequate funding for unemployment insurance benefits through the collection of employer taxes
• To help develop a qualified workforce by collecting a statewide training tax from employers to fund training for dislocated workers, school-to-work transition, industrial training, and other training initiatives that strengthen Delaware’s workforce.

Unemployment insurance benefits function much like other insurance programs. Proving a need for financial assistance is not a prerequisite for eligibility.

Delaware Unemployment Services

How To Qualify for Delaware Unemployment Benefits

The state of Delaware requires claimants to meet certain specific wage requirements based on the amount of money the claimant earned while employed. Eligible claimants must have lost employment through no fault of their own, must be physically and mentally able to work, available for work, actively searching for a new job, and willing to accept suitable work whenever it is offered.

Unemployment compensation eligibility cannot be pre-determined and is decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on the information you submit with your initial claim.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Delaware Unemployment Benefits

The fastest and easiest way to receive unemployment insurance benefits in Delaware is to apply online.

Once you have logged into the Delaware Department of Labor website, you can select File a New or Reopened Claim Online under Services on the left-hand side of your screen to start the process – then simply follow the instructions as presented.

After your account is created, you can also use it to check the status of your claim and file your weekly certification.

How Do I Manage My Unemployment Benefits?

Each week that you request unemployment compensation, you must certify with the state of Delaware. This process verifies that you remain eligible for the program. You must answer a series of questions about your job-search activities for the previous week, along with any wages you’ve earned or employment offers received.

The easiest way to file your weekly certification is to use the account you set up within the Delaware Department of Labor’s website. You can also call Delaware’s TeleBenefits line each week to submit your weekly claim information.

How Do I Appeal a Decision?

If your initial claim for UI benefits is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You must submit your request for appeal in writing within 10 calendar days of the postmark date on your official decision notice.

You may submit your request for appeal in person at your local unemployment insurance office or you may email it to [email protected].

How Do I Report Fraud?

Delaware unemployment fraud is a serious crime with far-reaching implications, wasting taxpayer dollars and potentially diverting resources from Delaware workers who need them the most.

If you believe that someone is fraudulently collecting unemployment insurance benefits, please call Delaware’s Unemployment Insurance Fraud Hotline at 302-761-8397.

You can also report fraud by emailing [email protected]. Include the following information in your email:

• Name
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Last 4 digits of your Social Security number
• Description of the issue

Delaware Unemployment Office Locations