This page covers what is specific to Newark: local employers, seasonal hiring, and where to get help. For the statewide rules, see the Delaware EARNS requirements and deadlines.
ZIP codes with a Newark mailing address had 3,600 business locations in 2023, with about 80,253 people on payroll in the March pay period.
At least 1,727 of the 3,600 locations had 5 or more employees on site, the headcount at which Delaware EARNS starts to apply. The law counts all of an employer's Delaware employees, not one location, so treat this as a local indicator.
The most common types of business in these ZIP codes are retail trade (508 locations), professional, scientific and technical services (484 locations) and health care and social assistance (484 locations). Across New Castle County, the largest industry by employment is health care and social assistance (50,428 jobs), and private leisure and hospitality employment ran from 27,336 in January 2024 to 30,086 in July 2024.
411 of the 3,600 business locations in Newark's ZIP codes are in accommodation and food services or arts, entertainment and recreation, the leisure and hospitality industries where staffing levels tend to change with the season. Delaware counts employees under 19 Del. C. §3802(3). The rule reads: “employs, and during the previous calendar year employed, at least 5 covered employees”. If your Newark business's headcount rises and falls during the year, that wording decides whether you meet the threshold, so confirm your status with Delaware EARNS.
Free one-on-one advising for Newark businesses is available from the Delaware SBDC - New Castle County, the Delaware SBDC's New Castle County office, at 591 Collaboration Way in Newark.
Local business network for Newark: New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.
Delaware EARNS employer assistance: 1-855-934-3701.
If your business has 5 or more employees in Delaware and offers no qualified retirement plan, Delaware EARNS requires you to register or certify an exemption. All announced registration deadlines have passed.
Book a free 15-minute compliance audit. We'll show your exact requirement, your real exposure, and whether your own plan saves you money.