File for Unemployment in Delaware

You can file for unemployment online at http://ui.delawareworks.com or in person at one of the local offices.

Unemployment Application and Initial Claim

File Your Unemployment Application and Initial Claim Process

You can file a new unemployment insurance claim online if you:

• Are an unemployed Delaware worker
• Have had your work hours reduced
• Have only worked in Delaware during the past 18 months

You CANNOT file a new claim online if you:

• Are filing a partial claim using partial slips provided by your employer
• Are filing against a former military employer
• Are filing against a former federal employer
• Are not a US citizen
• Were employed in another state within the last 18 months
• Are living outside the United States
• Are filing for extended benefits

If you do not qualify for online filing, you must go to your local unemployment office to file a new claim.

Documents and Information Needed During Filing

You will need the following information to file your new unemployment claim onine:

• Your social security number
• Driver's license or state-issued ID card
• The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers you worked for in the last 18 months
• If you're a union member - the name and local number of your union hall
• A telephone number where you can be reached

File for unemployment online:

1. Log onto the Department of Labor website at http://ui.delawareworks.com/
2. Select "File a New or Reopened Claim Online" under "Services" on the left side of your computer screen
3. Ensure you read all information carefully, then check to "agree", as applicable, then click on "Start My Claim Now"
4. Answer all questions accurately and completely
5. Print your confirmation page or write down your confirmation number for your records. If you do not receive a confirmation page, your claim has NOT been submitted

If you are filing at a local office location, you will need to bring your:

• Social Security Card & Driver's License
• SS Card & State Issued Picture ID
• SS Card and Passport
• SS Card and Military ID
• Driver's License or Passport, and "any official document containing full SSN"
• State Issued Picture ID or Passport and "any official document containing full SSN"

Claim Weekly Benefits

You must file a weekly claim for each week you want to receive a benefit payment.

How to Claim Weekly Benefits

A claim week begins on Sunday and ends the following Saturday. You should file your weekly claim on Sunday, as soon as the previous claim week ends. You can file your weekly claim using the TeleBenefits phone system or the online WebBenefits system. TeleBenefits and WebBenefits are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Claims filed by 10:30 am, Monday through Friday, will usually be processed the same day.

When you file your weekly claim, you will answer questions about your work and income for the previous week. You must report any changes immediately. If you need to file for an earlier claim week, you must go to your local office.

To file a weekly claim using the TeleBenefits system, call the Information Hotline.

1. Press 1 to file a weekly claim
2. Enter your social security number
3. Press 1 to continue
4. Create and enter a new four-digit PIN code
5. Press 1 to continue
6. Listen closely to the prompts and follow the instructions, answering each question accurately and completely
7. Press 1 for "yes" and 2 for "no"
8. When you have answered all questions, press 1 to file your claim

To file a weekly claim online, go to https://uicc.delawareworks.com/mobile/Login.aspx and log in using your social security number and the four-digit pin you created with TeleBenefits. If you have not created a PIN, call TeleBenefits to establish a PIN.

1. Select "File a weekly claim certification,"
2. Click on "File for Weekly Benefits."
3. Follow the instructions and answer all questions accurately and completely.
4. Review your information. If it is correct, click on "submit my weekly certification."
5. Read each weekly certification agreement, check each bow to agree, and select "submit."

Claim Denials or Discrepancies

If you fail to meet any of the eligibility requirements, your claim may be denied. Your former employers are notified when you file an unemployment claim. The employer provides their own information, and has the right to dispute your claim. Other reasons you could be denied include:

• If you quit your job without good cause
• If you were discharged from your job for misconduct
• If you're attending school
• If you're on strike or involved in a labor dispute;
• If you're self-employed

Appeals Process for Denied Claims

If you do not agree a determination that you are not eligible for benefits, you have the right to request a hearing before an appeals referee. You can submit an appeal in person or by writing to your local unemployment office. Appeal requests must be filed in person at the local office or be postmarked within ten days of the date of the Notice of Determination. If you mail a written appeal, include your Notice number, name, social security number, contact information, and the reason you are disputing the determination.

Continue to file weekly claims during the appeal process. If the appeal is decided in your favor, you can only collect benefits for the weeks you claimed. Appeals are generally scheduled a few weeks within filing your appeal. All interested parties will be mailed a Notice of Hearing that includes the time, date and location of the hearing. You may request a telephone hearing if you cannot attend in person. Follow the instructions provided on the Notice of Hearing to schedule a telephone hearing.

You do not have to have an attorney, but you may choose to have representation. You can call witnesses and present documents with information directly relevant to your case. You can subpoena witnesses and documents by contacting the Lower Authority Appeals Unit at least ten days before your hearing. You should have three copies of any documents you are presenting. One copy is yours, one is for your employer, and the third is for the appeals referee.

After the hearing, a decision will be mailed to all parties involved. If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal to the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board (UIAB). The second appeal process is the same as the first, and you must file your appeal within ten days of the mailing date on the determination. If the UIAB denies your claim, the board will provide you with instructions regarding filing an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Office of Appeals Contact Information

Department of Labor

Division of Unemployment Insurance

Lower Authority Appeals Unit

P.O. Box 9950

Wilmington, Delaware 19809

Phone: (302)761-8418

Fax: (302)761-6635

Sources:

• https://ui.delawareworks.com/documents/UI%20Claimant%20Handbook.pdf