3 New Delaware Laws That Will Effect Your Wallet in 2026

DELAWARE - As the "First State" enters 2026, residents are seeing a major overhaul in how the state handles everything from family emergencies to income taxes. While some changes aim to put more money back into the pockets of the middle class, others introduce new fees for those who aren't prepared.

Here are the three most significant Delaware laws and updates taking effect in 2026 that will directly affect your wallet.

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1. The Launch of Paid Family & Medical Leave Benefits

After years of planning and a year of payroll contributions, Delaware’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program officially begins paying out benefits on January 1, 2026.

• The Change: Eligible workers can now officially submit claims to receive paid time off for qualifying life events, such as bonding with a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or addressing their own medical needs.
• The Wallet Impact: If your leave is approved, you can receive 80% of your average weekly wages, capped at $900 per week.
• Who is Eligible: To qualify for these payments in 2026, you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months and logged at least 1,250 hours during the previous year.

2. Income Tax Cuts for 94% of Delawareans

In a move titled the "Fairness in Taxation Act," Delaware is restructuring its personal income tax brackets for the 2026 tax year.

• The Change: The state is decreasing tax rates for all brackets on income under $60,000. To offset this, three new "top-tier" brackets have been created for high earners.
• The "94% Win": According to state estimates, 94% of Delaware taxpayers will see an overall decrease in their state income taxes under this new structure. Only those with a taxable income above $188,500 will see an increase.
• The New Top Rates: For the high-earners, income over $150,000 is now taxed at 6.75%, while income exceeding $500,000 hits a new peak of 6.95%.

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3. The $45 TSA "Identity Fee" (Travel Warning)

While not a state-specific law, this federal mandate will hit the wallets of thousands of Delawareans who fly out of Philadelphia (PHL) or Wilmington (ILG) starting in early 2026.

• The Change: Beginning February 1, 2026, the TSA will begin charging a $45 fee to any traveler who arrives at security without a REAL ID-compliant license or a valid passport.
• The Wallet Impact: This isn't just a one-time fine; the $45 fee covers a 10-day travel window. If your return flight is more than 10 days later, you could be charged another $45 to get home.
• Avoid the Cost: If your Delaware license doesn't have the gold star in the upper right corner, a trip to the DMV now to upgrade to a REAL ID will save you from this recurring travel "tax."

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Honorable Mention: The 2026 Minimum Wage Hold

Unlike neighboring New Jersey, which is raising its minimum wage to nearly $16 an hour on January 1st, Delaware’s minimum wage will remain at $15.00 for 2026. The state reached its $15 goal a year ahead of many others, and no further automatic inflation increases are scheduled for this year.

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Would you like me to help you calculate your estimated weekly benefit under the new Paid Leave program or find the nearest Delaware DMV with open appointments for a REAL ID upgrade?

TSA to impose $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID

This video details the significant fee increase for travelers without a REAL ID, explaining how the $45 charge will be implemented at airport security checkpoints starting in February 2026.

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