How to File for Unemployment in Delaware

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.

Updated July 2026

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Verified against the official Delaware unemployment agency site. View source