How to File for Unemployment in Delaware
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In Delaware, unemployment claims are filed through Division of Unemployment Insurance. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
Delaware's Division of Unemployment Insurance requires you to file your initial claim online — there's no phone option for starting a new claim, only for weekly certification. The state uses ID.me for identity verification but only makes you prove your identity once; after that, weekly logins are quicker.
What You'll Need
- Social Security card, or W-2/pay stub plus government-issued photo ID
- Name and current address
- Employer names and addresses for the last 18 months
- Reason for job separation
- DD214 (Member 4) if you're a veteran separated within the last 18 months
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1
Confirm eligibility and register for work
You must have earned a minimum amount of wages, be able and available for work, and register for work with Delaware's Division of Employment and Training unless you're exempt.
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2
File your initial claim online
Go to uics.delawareworks.com and click 'Start My Claim Now'; you must be a U.S. resident to file.
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3
Provide your documents and work history
You'll be asked for your name, address, Social Security card (or a W-2/pay stub plus photo ID as a substitute), your reason for job loss, and every employer's name and address for the last 18 months.
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4
Verify your identity with ID.me
Delaware requires ID.me identity verification on new and continued claims; you only prove your identity once, and afterward the system remembers your ID.me login for faster weekly access.
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5
Register in the Claimant Portal and choose a payment method
After filing, register at the Claimant Portal to submit documents, and pick either direct deposit or a prepaid stored-value debit card for your payments.
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6
File weekly benefit claims
Claim your weekly payment through WebBenefits online or by phone through TeleBenefits at (800) 794-3032 (or (302) 761-6576 in New Castle County); note TeleBenefits only handles weekly claims, not new applications.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Delaware's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →