Overview of services offered at the Department of Labor

When you think of training, careers, economy, and governance, think of the Department of Labor.

The Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections, and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice, and a strong economy.

The Department of Labor is headed by a Secretary of Labor who is appointed by the Governor. The Department is made up of four main divisions:

Division of Employment and Training (DET)

The Division of Employment and Training (DET) provides services enabling employers and job seekers to make informed employment and training choices leading to employment. The division administers various federal and state workforce programs that assist individuals in obtaining their next job or career change. One does not need to be unemployed to utilize our services.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) assists eligible individuals with disabilities to develop career pathways and find employment that matches with their skills and abilities. We work closely with employers, providing access to resources to help diversify their organizations and meet today’s workforce demands utilizing the talents of individuals with disabilities.

• The Delaware Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DelODHH) is committed to the independence and equality of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing by providing information, education, services and training, and advocacy.

• The Disability Determination Services (DDS) Unit is a state-administered federal program that serves Delawareans who are unable to work because of a disability. DDS develops, adjudicates, and processes disability claims of residents for Social Security Disability benefits regarding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI)

The Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Applying for benefits is online providing quick and easy access. The division also collects Unemployment Insurance Tax from businesses.

Division of Industrial Affairs (DIA)

The Division of Industrial Affairs (DIA) promotes fairness and safety in the workplace through enforcement of laws that protect workers and consultation programs for small businesses. We provide services through five programs.

• The Office of Workers’ Compensation administers and enforces state laws, rules and regulations regarding industrial accidents and illnesses. Disputed workers’ compensation claims are heard by the Industrial Accident Board.

• The Office of Safety & Health Consultation provides free comprehensive on-site consultations for small high-risk businesses to identify potential hazards, improve safety management systems, and assist in voluntary compliance with OSHA regulations. We also collect data on work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in order to promote injury prevention in the workplace

• The Office of Construction Industry Enforcement establishes and enforces the payment of wage rates for laborers and mechanics employed on state-funded construction projects. In addition, the Office enforces Delaware’s Workplace Fraud Act which imposes penalties on employers on construction projects who misclassify employees as independent contractors.

• The Office of Wage & Hour enforces wage payment laws, minimum wage laws, child labor laws, and other labor laws related to pay and working conditions.

• The Office of Anti-Discrimination enforces workplace civil rights laws by investigating, mediating, and conciliating employment discrimination and sexual harassment complaints in partnership with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information (OOLMI)

The Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information (OOLMI) is the key source of information about labor market conditions throughout the First State. The office partners with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to produce a variety of economic statistics and reports.

Advancement through PARDONS and EXPUNGEMENT (APEX) Office

The APEX program is dedicated to opening opportunities to individuals with criminal histories by helping them through the pardon or expungement process. If you are eligible, we can provide one-on-one counseling through each step to help you apply.

The administrative office of the Department of Labor is located at:

Office of Administration
4425 North Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19802
Office Hours: 8am to 4:30pm

Contact the Department of Labor