If you are an independent contractor or a self-employed worker in Delaware and want to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) as detailed in the CARES Act, please review and follow the steps detailed below.

Step 1: Apply for traditional UI benefits. Get started by visiting the website ui.delawareworks.com

Step 2: Receive a denial letter or monetary determination of zero or insufficient wages. (Proceed to step 3)

Step 3: You will receive a confirmation letter by mail. Qualified applicants will receive a confirmation letter with their PUA Benefits website access instructions by mail.

Step 4: Access the PUA system to submit your claim for assistance.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DETAILS PLEASE VISIT https://dol.delaware.gov/uifaqs/

Read the full May 4th press release about Pandemic Unemployed Assistance (PUA), the self-employed and independent contractors.

To view our most updated frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) regarding unemployment insurance, and to be notified when the application for benefits is available for self-employed individuals and independent contractors in Delaware, text uifacts to 555888.

Additional resources are available on our websites at dol.delaware.gov or ui.delawareworks.com. You can also call our offices at 302-761-8446. Call hold time is longer than usual. For a quicker response please email uiclaims@delaware.gov. Include your full name, including middle initial, contact information and claim number.

To process an initial claim for unemployment benefits please visit ui.delawareworks.com

Delawareans with questions about coronavirus [COVID-19] or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 or 711 for people who are hearing impaired from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or email DPHCall@delaware.gov. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.