INTRODUCTION

The Division of Unemployment Insurance serves workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own by providing temporary income maintenance during their period of unemployment and making referrals to re-employment services.

The Division also serves employers by ensuring that only those unemployed individuals meeting all eligibility criteria receive UI benefits, thereby protecting future increases in employer tax rates and the solvency of Delaware’s UI Trust Fund.

INTRODUCTION

Unemployment Insurance [UI) is designed to provide benefits to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own, and who would be employed if suitable jobs were available. Unlike public welfare, Unemployment Insurance is an insurance program. Need for assistance is not a factor that can be considered.

Unemployment Insurance is, in many ways, similar to other forms of insurance. In all states, employers pay a tax to cover their workers against involuntary unemployment. Most employers are required to pay this tax. When you work for such an employer, you are in "covered employment,^"and your wages are "covered wages." Your unemployment insurance benefit is based upon these wages. Like any other insurance, Unemployment Insurance has certain requirements, which must be met if you are to receive benefit payments. These individual and monetary requirements are established by Law in Title 1 9, Delaware Code, and are administered by the Delaware Department of Labor, Division of Unemployment Insurance.

This handbook is designed to explain your rights and responsibilities under the Delaware Unemployment Compensation Law. Its purpose is to provide you with information and should not be considered to have the effect of law.

This handbook should answer many of the questions you may have regarding filing a claim for benefits. However, if you have questions not covered in the booklet, please call your Unemployment Insurance Local Office.

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