Where to log in and what you need

Delaware's unemployment system is called CONNECT, and you log in through the Delaware Department of Labor website at labor.delaware.gov. The login page is separate from the main site — you'll look for a link labeled "CONNECT" or "Claimant Portal" rather than a general sign-in box.

To log in, you need your Social Security number and the password you created when you first filed your claim. If you don't have a CONNECT account yet, you'll need to create one before you can log in. The account creation process asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address, then walks you through setting a password.

CONNECT is the only official way to manage your Delaware unemployment claim online. You cannot file a new claim, check your balance, or upload documents through any other website or phone number — only through this portal or by calling the Department of Labor directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Delaware's unemployment portal is called CONNECT and is accessed through labor.delaware.gov, not through a separate company website.
  • You log in with your Social Security number and a password you create yourself during account setup.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it on the login page using your Social Security number and email address.
  • The Department of Labor's phone line is 302-761-8085 if you cannot log in or need to file by phone instead.

What you can do once you're logged in

Once you're in CONNECT, you can view your claim status, check your weekly benefit amount, and see payment history. The portal shows you whether your claim is active, pending, or closed, and it displays the dates of any payments sent to your bank account or debit card.

You can also file your weekly claim through CONNECT if you're receiving ongoing benefits. Delaware requires you to certify your weekly claim — meaning you confirm you were unemployed that week and meet the program's work-search requirements — before you receive payment. The certification window opens each Sunday and closes the following Saturday.

If you need to upload documents — such as a separation notice from your employer, proof of income, or identity verification — you can do that through the portal. The system will tell you which documents are required for your specific claim.

Resetting your password

If you forget your password, click the "Forgot Password?" link on the CONNECT login page. You'll be asked to enter your Social Security number and the email address associated with your account. Delaware will send you a password reset link to that email.

Check your spam or junk folder if you don't see the email within a few minutes. The reset link usually expires after a few hours, so act on it quickly. If you don't receive an email or the link doesn't work, call the Department of Labor at 302-761-8085 and ask for help resetting your account.

Common login problems and how to fix them

If you see a message that your account is locked, it usually means you entered an incorrect password too many times. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying again, or use the password reset link to create a new one when ready.

If you're told your Social Security number is not found in the system, it may mean you haven't filed a claim yet, or the claim was filed under a different name or number. Call 302-761-8085 to confirm whether a claim exists under your information. If you need to file a new claim, you can do that through CONNECT or by phone.

If CONNECT is down for maintenance, the Department of Labor usually posts a notice on the labor.delaware.gov homepage. Maintenance typically happens early morning or late evening. You can still call 302-761-8085 during business hours to file your weekly claim by phone if the portal is unavailable.

Filing your weekly claim through CONNECT

Your weekly claim must be filed between Sunday and the following Saturday each week. Log in, find the "Weekly Claim" or "Certify" section, and answer the questions about your employment status that week. You'll be asked whether you worked, earned any income, refused any job offers, and met Delaware's work-search requirements.

Answer each question honestly. If you worked part-time or earned any income, report it — Delaware reduces your benefit by a portion of what you earned, but you still receive a partial payment in most cases. If you don't file your weekly claim by the important date, your payment is delayed until you do.

After you submit your weekly claim, you'll see a confirmation number. Keep that number in case you need to contact the Department of Labor about that week's claim. Payment is usually deposited within three to five business days if your claim is approved.

Payment methods and checking your balance

Delaware deposits unemployment payments to the account you provided when you filed your claim. Most people receive payments on a debit card issued by the state, though you can request direct deposit to your own bank account during claim setup or by calling the Department of Labor.

You can check your current balance and payment history by logging into CONNECT. The portal shows every payment sent, the date it was processed, and the amount. If you're using the state debit card, you can also check your balance through the card issuer's website or phone line — that information is printed on the back of your card.

Contacting the Department of Labor if you can't log in

If you've tried resetting your password and still cannot access CONNECT, call the Delaware Department of Labor at 302-761-8085. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.

You can also file your weekly claim by phone if you prefer not to use the online portal. The same phone number handles both login help and phone-based claim filing. Wait times are often shorter early in the week and early in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never received a password when I created my CONNECT account?

You create your own password during account setup — Delaware doesn't send you one. If you don't remember the password you created, use the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page to reset it. You'll receive a reset link at your email address within a few minutes.

Can I log into CONNECT on my phone?

Yes. CONNECT works on phones and tablets as well as computers. Use the same login credentials and go to labor.delaware.gov. The mobile version of the site has the same features as the desktop version, including weekly claim filing and document upload.

What should I do if CONNECT says my claim is closed?

A closed claim usually means your benefit year has ended or you've exhausted your available benefits. Call 302-761-8085 to find out why your claim closed and whether you can file a new claim. If you were laid off or had your hours reduced recently, you may be able to start a new claim.

Is there a way to file my weekly claim if I don't have internet access?

Yes. Call 302-761-8085 and ask to file your weekly claim by phone. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and process your claim over the phone. This takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive a confirmation number.

How do I know if my weekly claim was received?

After you submit your claim through CONNECT, you'll see a confirmation message on the screen with a confirmation number. Log back into CONNECT the next day to verify your claim appears in your history. If it doesn't show up within 24 hours, call 302-761-8085 to check the status.