Where to File Your Unemployment Claim

In Delaware, you file for unemployment through the Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI), which is part of the Department of Labor. You can file online through the DUI website, by phone, or by mail — but online is fastest and available 24 hours a day.

The online portal is called the Unemployment Insurance Claims System. You'll create an account, answer questions about your job and why you're no longer working, and submit your claim the same day. Most people complete it in 15 to 20 minutes. If you file online before 5 p.m. on a weekday, your claim is processed that day.

If you don't have internet access or prefer to call, the DUI phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The wait time is usually 30 minutes to an hour during the first week of the month, when claims are heaviest. You can also mail a paper form, but this adds one to two weeks to processing time.

Key Takeaways

  • File online through the Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance website to get your claim processed the same day, rather than waiting weeks for a mailed form.
  • You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last job, including your employer's name and address.
  • Delaware requires you to certify your claim every two weeks by logging back in and confirming you are still unemployed and looking for work.
  • Your first payment arrives by debit card (called the ReliaCard) about two weeks after you file, assuming your claim is approved.
  • You must report any income you earned during the week you're claiming for, including gig work and part-time jobs, or you will owe the money back.

What Documents and Information You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you open the online form. Having them ready means you won't get stuck mid-process and lose your place.

You'll need your Social Security number, your Delaware driver's license or ID number, and the dates you worked at your last job. You also need your employer's name, address, and phone number — the form will ask you to spell out the company name exactly as it appears on your paychecks. If you worked for a large company with multiple locations, include the specific branch or location where you worked.

Have your final paycheck or pay stub handy so you can confirm your last day of work and your weekly wage. If you were laid off, you may have a separation notice; if you quit, you'll need to explain why. Delaware asks whether you left for "good cause" — meaning a legitimate reason like unsafe conditions, wage theft, or a significant change in your job duties. straightforward wanting a different job is not good cause, but you can still file; the decision on your claim comes later.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Claim Online

Go to delaware.gov/dui and click "File a New Claim" or "Unemployment Insurance Claims System." You'll be asked to create a login with your email and a password.

The form has five main sections. First, you enter your personal information: name, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Second, you describe your employment — employer name, address, job title, and dates worked. Third, you answer why you're no longer working: were you laid off, did you quit, were you fired, or did your hours drop? Fourth, you report any income you've earned since your last day of work, including self-employment, gig work, or part-time jobs. Fifth, you confirm that you're able and willing to work and that you understand you must look for work while receiving benefits.

At the end, you'll see a summary of what you entered. Review it carefully — errors in your employer's name or address can delay processing. Once you submit, you'll get a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. You should also receive an email confirmation within a few minutes.

What Happens After You File

Delaware's DUI will review your claim within three to five business days. If everything matches their records and your employer doesn't dispute it, you'll be approved. You'll receive a notice in the mail and an email saying your claim is active.

If there's a mismatch — for example, your employer reports different dates or says you were fired rather than laid off — the DUI will contact you by phone to clarify. Answer honestly. If you were fired, you can still receive benefits if it wasn't for misconduct. Misconduct means you deliberately broke a rule or refused to follow a reasonable instruction; being slow at your job or making an honest mistake is not misconduct.

Once approved, you must certify your claim every two weeks. This means logging back into the system and confirming that you were unemployed during those two weeks and that you looked for work. You have a important date — usually the Sunday after the week ends — to certify. If you miss the important date, your payment is delayed until you certify late. Certify on time every time, or you'll fall behind on payments.

When Your First Payment Arrives and How You Receive It

Delaware sends unemployment payments by debit card, not by check or direct deposit. The card is called the ReliaCard, and it arrives in the mail about 10 to 14 days after your claim is approved. You can use it at any ATM or store that accepts Mastercard.

Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings during the past year. Delaware divides your total earnings by 52 and pays you about 50 percent of that average, up to a maximum of $330 per week. If you earned very little or worked for only part of the year, your benefit will be lower. The DUI will tell you your exact weekly amount in the approval notice.

If you earned any income during a week you're claiming for — including tips, bonuses, or gig work — you must report it when you certify. Delaware reduces your benefit dollar-for-dollar for the first $50 you earn, then pays you 80 percent of the remaining amount. For example, if you earned $100 in a week, you'd subtract $50, leaving $50; then you'd keep 80 percent of that ($40), so your benefit for that week would be reduced by $90 instead of $100.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

The most common reason for delay is a mismatch between what you reported and what your employer reported. If your employer says you quit and you say you were laid off, the DUI will contact you to investigate. Be honest and specific: if you quit because of unsafe conditions, say that. If you were laid off due to lack of work, say that. Vague answers slow down the process.

Another common delay is missing information. If you left a field blank or your employer's address is incomplete, the DUI may not be able to verify your employment. That's why reviewing your form before you submit is critical.

Claims are denied if you quit without good cause, if you were fired for misconduct, or if you're not able and willing to work. "Good cause" in Delaware means a reason that would make a reasonable person leave — unsafe conditions, wage theft, a major change in duties, or harassment. Personal reasons like needing to care for a family member or wanting to go back to school are not good cause, though you can still file and appeal if denied.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied or You Disagree With a Decision

If the DUI denies your claim, you'll receive a written notice explaining why. You have 15 calendar days from the date on the notice to file an appeal. You can appeal online through the same claims system, by phone, or by mail.

When you appeal, you can submit new information or documents that support your case. If you quit, submit evidence of the reason — for example, a doctor's note if you had a health issue, an email from your employer showing unsafe conditions, or a pay stub showing wage theft. If you were fired, submit any written warnings or performance reviews that show the employer's version of events was unfair or inaccurate.

Your appeal goes to a hearing officer who will review both your account and your employer's account. You may be asked to participate in a phone hearing where you can explain your side. The hearing officer's decision is final unless you appeal further to the Delaware Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, which requires a lawyer in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I quit my job?

Yes, you can file, but you'll only receive benefits if you quit for good cause. Good cause means a legitimate reason like unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a significant change in your job duties. Personal reasons like wanting a different job or needing time off are not good cause. File anyway — the DUI will investigate, and you can appeal if denied.

How long does unemployment last in Delaware?

Delaware provides up to 19 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. During times of high unemployment, federal extensions may add more weeks. The DUI website shows the current maximum. Once your benefits run out, you must reapply or look for other programs.

Do I have to look for work while I'm on unemployment?

Yes. When you file, you certify that you're able and willing to work. You don't have to prove you applied for jobs every week, but you must be genuinely available and looking. If the DUI contacts you and asks what jobs you've applied for, you should be able to name some. If you turn down a job offer without good reason, you can lose benefits.

What if I earned money during the week I'm claiming for?

Report it when you certify. Delaware reduces your benefit by $1 for every $1 you earn above $50 per week, then pays you 80 percent of the rest. So if you earned $150, you'd report it, and your benefit would be reduced by $130 instead of $150. Not reporting income is fraud and can result in overpayment demands and penalties.

Can I file for unemployment if I'm still working part-time?

Yes. If your hours were cut or you were laid off from a full-time job and now work part-time, you can file. Report your part-time earnings each week when you certify, and your benefit will be reduced accordingly. You're may be able to access as long as you're earning less than your full-time wage was.