Delaware Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility
To be eligible for Delaware Unemployment Insurance benefits, you must meet all of the following requirements:
General Eligibility:
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own. This means you must have lost your job due to reasons beyond your control, such as a layoff, company closure, or natural disaster. You are not eligible if you were fired for misconduct or quit your job without good cause.
- Have worked in Delaware during the base period. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim.
- Have earned at least $2,500 in wages during the base period.
- Meet the total base period wage requirement. This means you must have earned at least two (2) times your highest quarter wages in any two quarters of the base period.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
- Be able and available to work. This means you must be actively looking for a new job and be willing to accept suitable work when offered.
- Register for work with the Delaware Department of Labor (DDOL). You can do this online at the DDOL website or in person at a DDOL career center.
- Meet the work search requirement. This means you must make a certain number of job contacts each week, depending on your circumstances.
Work Search Requirements:
The specific work search requirements vary depending on your circumstances, but generally involve making at least 2 to 3 job contacts per week. You can find more information about the work search requirements on the DDOL website: https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/unemployment-insurance/
How to Apply for Delaware Unemployment Insurance Benefits:
- Create an account on the DDOL website.
- Complete an online application for benefits.
- Submit your application.
- Attend a mandatory orientation meeting (may be required).
- Start looking for work.
- Claim your benefits weekly.
How Long Will I Receive Benefits?
The length of time you can receive benefits depends on your wages and the unemployment rate in Delaware. The maximum amount of benefits you can receive is 26 weeks, but you may be eligible for fewer weeks depending on your circumstances.
How Much Will I Receive in Benefits?
The amount of benefits you receive each week will be based on your wages in the past year. The minimum benefit amount is currently $125 per week, and the maximum benefit amount is currently $626 per week.
What if I Have Questions?
If you have questions about Delaware Unemployment Insurance benefits, you can contact the DDOL at 1-800-682-7433. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions on the DDOL website: https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/unemployment-insurance/
Additional Resources:
- DDOL Website: https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/unemployment-insurance/
- Benefits.gov: https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/unemployment-insurance/
- CareerOneStop: https://www.careeronestop.org/