How to File for Unemployment in Delaware

File a new or reopened claim online through the Division's claim system. Request your weekly benefits through WebBenefits (online) or TeleBenefits (phone), reporting gross wages for the week earned and your work search contacts. If separation issues come up, return the separation questionnaire within 10 days of its mailing date.

You must have been paid at least 36 times your weekly benefit amount by covered employers in your base period. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters; if you do not qualify, an alternate base period using the four most recent completed quarters may be used.

You must actively seek work and make at least one new work search contact each week, recording the employer's name and address, type of work sought, result and date on your Work Search Log and when you request weekly benefits. Registering with the public employment office (JobLink) alone is not enough. If you do not search in a required week, you are ineligible for that week, and your log may be audited.

Delaware unemployment claimants file weekly certifications online through WebBenefits or by phone through TeleBenefits (Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Unemployment Insurance). TeleBenefits is available 24/7 at (800) 794-3032 (outside New Castle County) or (302) 761-6576 (New Castle County): press 1 to file your weekly certification, enter your Social Security number and your 4-digit PIN, and answer the questions about earnings, availability and work search. The system only lets you claim the current week; to file for a prior week, go to your local office. A visual voice-response line for weekly certification is at 302-761-8446. The same pages link to direct deposit enrollment, overpayment help and the Claimant Handbook.