Colorado Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance (UI) is a government program designed to provide temporary financial assistance to workers who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. In Colorado, the UI program is administered by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for UI benefits in Colorado, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. You must have earned wages in at least two calendar quarters of your base period.
  2. Your total base period wages must be at least $2,500.
  3. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own. This means that if you were fired for misconduct or quit voluntarily, you may not be eligible for benefits.
  4. You must be able and available to work, and actively seeking employment.
  5. You must be registered with the CDLE’s job search website, Connecting Colorado.

Base Period

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the quarter in which you file your claim. For example, if you file your claim in January 2022, the base period would be October 2020 through September 2021.

Wages

Your weekly benefit amount is based on your total base period wages. The CDLE uses the highest two quarters of your base period wages to calculate your weekly benefit amount.

Job Search

As part of your eligibility for UI benefits, you must actively search for work and keep a record of your job contacts. The CDLE may ask to see your job search record at any time.

How to Apply

You can apply for UI benefits online at the CDLE’s website, or by calling the UI Customer Service Center at 303-318-9000. You will need to provide your Social Security number, work history, and other documentation related to your job loss.

Benefits and Payments

If you are eligible for UI benefits in Colorado, you will receive a weekly benefit amount based on your total base period wages. The maximum weekly benefit amount in Colorado is $637, and the minimum is $25.

Duration

The duration of your UI benefits in Colorado depends on your total base period wages. The maximum duration is 26 weeks, and the minimum duration is 12 weeks.

Payments

You can choose to receive your UI benefits via direct deposit or a prepaid debit card. If you choose the debit card option, you will receive a card in the mail within 7-10 business days. You can use the card to withdraw cash or make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted.

FAQ

Question
Answer
How much can I receive in UI benefits?
Your weekly benefit amount is based on your total base period wages, with a maximum of $637 per week.
How long does it take to receive benefits?
The CDLE aims to process UI claims within 21 days of the initial application. However, during times of high volume, it may take longer.
What happens if I refuse a job offer?
If you refuse a job offer that is deemed suitable by the CDLE, your UI benefits may be reduced or denied.
What if I am self-employed or a gig worker?
Under the CARES Act, self-employed individuals and gig workers may be eligible for UI benefits in Colorado. You can apply through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
What if I am laid off temporarily?
If you are laid off temporarily, you may be eligible for UI benefits in Colorado. However, you must be able and available to work and actively seeking employment.