How to File Your Weekly Unemployment Claim Online in Delaware

File your Delaware unemployment claim through the CONNECT system website

Delaware uses a system called CONNECT to handle weekly unemployment claims. You log in with your username and password, answer questions about your work search and any earnings that week, and submit your claim. The state processes it and deposits payment to your account if you remain may be able to access. You must file every week you want to receive benefits — missing a week means no payment for that week, even if you were unemployed.

The CONNECT website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most people file on Sunday or Monday, but you can file any day of the week. Delaware's benefit week runs Sunday through Saturday, and you have until the following Sunday at 11:59 p.m. to file your claim for that week. Filing late can delay your payment.

Key Takeaways

You must create a CONNECT account and log in each week to file your claim — there is no phone or mail option for weekly filing.
Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about any work or earnings from the past week ready before you start.
Answer all questions honestly, including whether you worked, earned money, refused a job, or had any contact with an employer.
File by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of the week after your benefit week ends to avoid a delay in payment.
If you cannot access CONNECT online, call the Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance at 302-761-8386 to file by phone.

Set up your CONNECT account before your first weekly filing

You need a CONNECT account to file weekly claims. If you have not yet created one, go to connect.delaware.gov and select "Create Account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. Delaware will send you a temporary password to that email. Log in, change your password to something you can remember, and save your login information in a safe place.

If you already filed your initial claim through CONNECT, your account is active and ready to use. If you filed your initial claim by phone or in person before CONNECT existed, you may need to create a new account or update your existing one. Call 302-761-8386 if you are unsure whether your account is set up.

Gather the information you need before logging in

Have these details ready before you open CONNECT to file your weekly claim:

Your Social Security number
Your driver's license number or state ID number
The dates you worked during the benefit week (Sunday through Saturday)
The name and phone number of any employer you worked for that week
The total amount you earned, including tips and bonuses
Information about any job offers, interviews, or job applications you completed
Details of any contact with a former employer or potential employer
Your banking information if you need to update your direct deposit account

Gathering this information first means you will not get stuck mid-filing. If you worked multiple jobs or had partial weeks, write down the hours and pay for each one so you can enter the amounts accurately.

Answer the weekly claim questions accurately and completely

Once you log into CONNECT, you will see a form with questions about your week. Read each question carefully and answer truthfully. Common questions include whether you worked, how much you earned, whether you looked for work, whether you refused any job offers, and whether you had any contact with a current or former employer.

If you worked part-time or earned some income during the week, report it. Delaware reduces your benefit payment based on your earnings, but you still receive a partial payment if your earnings are below a certain threshold. Failing to report work or earnings is fraud and can result in overpayment demands, penalties, and loss of future benefits.

If you did not work and did not earn any money, answer "no" to those questions. If you looked for work — by submitting applications, attending interviews, or contacting employers — describe what you did. Delaware does not require a specific number of job search contacts per week, but you should be actively looking for work while receiving benefits.

Submit your claim and check the confirmation

After you answer all questions, review your responses one more time. Look for any typos in dates, amounts, or employer names. Then click "Submit Claim." CONNECT will show you a confirmation screen with a claim number and the date and time you filed. Write down or screenshot this confirmation — you may need it if there is a problem with your payment.

You should receive an email confirming that your claim was received. Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) within a few hours of filing. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, log back into CONNECT and check whether your claim shows as "submitted" or "pending." If it shows as "pending," you may need to complete additional steps or contact the Division of Unemployment Insurance.

Know when your payment will arrive

Delaware processes weekly claims and deposits payments to your account by the following Wednesday or Thursday, depending on when you filed and your bank's processing time. If you filed by Sunday, expect payment by Wednesday. If you filed on Monday or Tuesday, expect payment by Thursday or Friday.

Payments are deposited to the debit card or bank account you provided when you filed your initial claim. If you need to change your direct deposit information, you can update it in CONNECT under "Account Settings" or by calling 302-761-8386. Changes made early in the week are more likely to take effect for that week's payment.

Troubleshoot common filing problems

If you cannot log into CONNECT, try resetting your password by clicking "Forgot Password" on the login page. Delaware will send a reset link to your email. If you do not receive the email within 15 minutes, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and try again. If you still cannot access your account, call 302-761-8386 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

If you see an error message when you try to submit your claim, read the message carefully — it usually tells you which question needs to be answered or corrected. Common errors include leaving a required field blank, entering a date in the wrong format, or entering text in a field that expects only numbers. Go back, fix the error, and try submitting again.

If your claim shows as "submitted" but you do not receive a payment by the expected date, log into CONNECT and check your claim status. If it shows "pending review" or "under investigation," the Division of Unemployment Insurance may be verifying information. Call 302-761-8386 to ask why your claim is delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the Sunday important date to file my weekly claim?

You can still file late, but your payment will be delayed. Delaware processes late claims, but the payment may not arrive until the following week. If you miss the important date by more than a few days, call 302-761-8386 to ask whether you can still file for that week or whether you have lost the payment.

Do I have to report if I earned tips or commission during the week?

Yes. Report all income, including tips, bonuses, commission, and any cash payments from work. Delaware reduces your benefit based on total earnings, so reporting everything ensures your payment is calculated correctly and you do not face an overpayment later.

Can I file my weekly claim on my phone or mobile device?

CONNECT works on phones and tablets, but the website is easier to use on a computer. If you file on a phone, make sure you have a strong internet connection and allow extra time in case the page takes longer to load. Do not close the browser or lose your connection mid-filing, as this can cause your claim to be lost.

What if I worked for a temp agency or gig work during the week?

Report the name of the temp agency or gig platform (such as DoorDash or TaskRabbit), the dates you worked, and the total amount you earned. If you worked through multiple platforms, list each one separately. Delaware needs to know all sources of income to calculate your benefit correctly.

Is there a phone number I can call if I cannot file online?

Yes. Call the Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance at 302-761-8386 to file by phone if you cannot access CONNECT. Have your information ready, and be prepared to wait on hold during busy times. Phone filing is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.