Delaware Department of Labor Modernization to Bring Quicker, Easier Access to Benefits

Delawareans are set to benefit from a major upgrade at the Department of Labor through its new Modernization 2.0 strategy. The initiative aims to make it faster and easier for people to get the support they need by clearing a backlog of more than 6,500 unemployment insurance claims, speeding up response times for new claims, and preparing for the timely launch of the Paid Family and Medical Leave program in 2026. A key part of the effort is a partnership with Google AI, which will create a streamlined system to help claimants navigate the process more easily, unify information into one platform, and ensure timely decisions. Additional staff have also been brought on to reduce the claims backlog, with projections to have it resolved by early 2026.

Additional Information from the Delaware Department of Labor:

Tackling the UI Claims Backlog

Currently, more than 6,500 unemployment claims remain pending, some dating back to February 2025. To address this backlog, known internally as “Mission Backlog,” DOL has taken the following steps:

• Partnering with Google AI and delivery partner Egen to build an interim process that consolidates claim information into a single system.
• Deploying Google’s Adjudication Assistant, a GenAI solution, to accelerate claim reviews.
• Hiring 25 seasonal employees through the Code Differently program to support backlog reduction.

This combined effort is projected to clear the backlog within 18 to 22 weeks, with completion expected in early 2026.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Update

Delawareans will be able to take part in the much-anticipated Paid Family and Medical Leave program beginning January 1, 2026.  They will be able to:

• File claims online.
• Process certifications electronically.
• Receive employer determinations.
• Obtain benefit payments automatically.

Monthly updates will further enhance speed, usability, and overall user experience.