Delaware Department of Labor
Employee Information and Resources
CLAIMS START IN JANUARY 2026
Delaware Paid Leave is an insurance program that helps financially support workers like you while taking a leave of absence from your job due to a major life event. It’s designed to make sure you can comfortably take the time you need to look after yourself or your family, without worrying about money or having a job to return to.
Many families don’t have enough money set aside to cover a leave of absence in the case of an emergency. This program strengthens our workforce, supports workers and their families, and helps our communities thrive.
Employees are limited to a maximum of 12 weeks of combined leave per year.
Watch to learn more about how Delaware Paid Leave works.
To be eligible for Delaware Paid Leave, you must:
- Work primarily in Delaware (60% of your time or more).
- Have worked for your employer for at least 12 months.
- Have at least 1,250 hours of service—about 25 hours per week—in the last 12 months
Your employer may require you to contribute up to 50% of the cost for the program through payroll deductions.
If you work part-time or fewer than 12 months out of the year, your employer can submit a waiver to exclude you from the program.
What kind of situations are covered?
Care for a new child.
Up to 12 weeks per year.
Care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Up to six weeks every 24 months.
Address a personal serious health condition or injury.
Up to six weeks every 24 months.
Assist while a loved one is on an overseas military deployment.
Up to six weeks every 24 months.
Employees are limited to a maximum of 12 weeks of combined leave per year.
How To File A Claim
- Register at my.delaware.gov and follow instructions to go through the identity proofing process.
- Once your identity has been verified, navigate to the LaborFirst Claimant Portal and complete claimant registration.
- Following registration, you’ll be able to file a Paid Leave claim. The portal will walk you through the process, including providing employment information, dates and type of leave being requested, and any requisite healthcare information.
- You’ll then wait while your leave request is reviewed. You can access the portal any time at my.delaware.gov.
Resources
Use these links to learn about the program and its requirements.
Employee Webinar
View materials from the November 12, 2025 webinar to help employees understand this new benefit. The webinar covers different types of paid leave, eligibility, how to file a claim and what to expect in 2026 once claims open for submission.
Employee Handout
Use this guide as a quick reference for what Delaware Paid Leave is and what types of scenarios are covered.
Delaware Paid Leave FAQ
Have questions? This downloadable sheet answers many frequently asked questions about Delaware Paid Leave.
Paid Leave Complaint Form
Visit this page and fill out this form to file a complaint about Delaware Paid Leave.
Benefits Contribution Calculator
Use this tool to estimate weekly contributions and benefits for each employee, based on annual wages, the types of leave selected, and how much the employer requires the employee to contribute. All numbers are estimates.
Sign Up for Emails to Stay Informed
If you are a Claimant and have a question about Delaware Paid Leave, email PFMLClaims@delaware.gov or call 302-761-8375.
If you are an Employer or TPA and have a question about Delaware Paid Leave or would like to schedule a presentation for your business, email PFML@delaware.gov or call 302-761-8375.