This guide explains how to apply for unemployment in Colorado. Follow step by step instructions that will help you claim benefits through CO state unemployment office.
First and foremost, apply as soon as you lose the job. State unemployment offices generally take 1-3 weeks to process your application, especially for the initial claim. The compensation will be paid from the week you applied and if you delay, you will lose the benefits prior to the week of filing. You won't be allowed to back-date your claims or claim the benefits for prior weeks.
Colorado Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Requirements
There are some basic rules for eligibility. Even if you meet some of these rules partially, you should still apply for unemployment because state offices make a reasonable attempt to process your claim, as long as you provide a good justification.
- You must have lost your job through no fault of your own. That means if you have quit job voluntarily you may not qualify for unemployment insurance. However, there are exceptions - such as working in hazardous or inhuman working conditions etc. to this rule.
- You must be willing and able to work. If you are physically disabled, you do not qualify.
- You must have worked minimum number of weeks specified by the State. Colorado State minimum weeks of covered employment requirement (employer must have paid unemployment taxes on your behalf): Check State website
- You must have earned minimum amount of wages specified by State during this period. This amount may change every year. You can get get complete eligibility criteria and the benefits calculator from state website mentioned in the next section. Minimum wages earned during the base period: Check State website
Prepare documents required to apply for unemployment in CO
- Your name, address, social security number and other personal details such as telephone number, email address etc.
- Dependents name, date of birth and their social security number.
- Details of your previous employer. For each employer, you need to provide
- Name and address
- Telephone number
- Start and end dates of employment
- If you had out-of-state employment in the past 18 months, you also need to provide the employment details.
- Reason you lost the job – it has to be involuntary to be eligible to receive benefits.
- Your job skills summary
- If you are not an US citizen, keep your alien registration number and work authorization. However if you are on a work visa such as H1-B, immigration experts do not advise claiming unemployment insurance.
Apply for Benefits or Claim Extension
You can submit your application for unemployment compensation online, off-line (by mail or by visiting local employment office) or through telephone. Online application is the quickest and most efficient option which will also be available 24x7, 7 days a week.
Prepare and submit your application online here
If you choose to file over phone, call the unemployment compensation services toll-free number at 1-800-388-5515 or 303-318-9000. UI Tax Inquiries: 303-318-9100 or 1-800-480-8299
If you are applying for unemployment extension in Colorado, make sure you check the latest rules. Many states are in the process of revising the rules to extend the benefits beyond the initial period. Also, remember that you need to report unemployment benefits as an income when you file taxes with IRS at the end of the year.
All the major cities in Colorado including Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Lakewood, Fort Collins, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, and Pueblo have an unemployment office location to process unemployment claims. You can visit the local office for consultation or to file for unemployment in person
Colorado Unemployment Rate (Trend)
The graph below shows the current and historical unemployment rate in the state
Frequently Asked Questions
If I file an appeal of a decision, do I need an attorney?
You are not required to have an attorney to participate in the appeal hearing, which is an administrative proceeding. The majority of parties do not have an attorney representing them. However, only you can decide whether you need an attorney. The UI Program does not provide an attorney for hearings.
Will the appeal process stop my unemployment benefits?
If the UI Program grants you UI benefits, an appeal does not stop UI benefit payments as long as you continue to meet all other requirements. However, if a UI Program decision grants you UI benefits and an appeal changes the decision to a disqualification or disallowance, you may need to repay the UI benefits you received.
How and when should I file a claim for benefits?
You cannot be paid unemployment benefits for any period of time before the date you actually file a claim for benefits. If you are unemployed or if your work hours are reduced to less than full time, you may file a claim for benefits. If you file a claim Sunday through Wednesday, your claim will be effective the week you file. If you file a claim on Thursday through Saturday, your claim will be effective the following week.
You have the right to leave a job for any reason at any time, but the circumstances of the separation will determine if and when you will receive benefits. When you file a claim, we will ask you and your employer for the reason for your separation. Based on this information, we will make a decision that will determine if and when you will receive benefits.
How does the Unemployment Insurance Program determine who is eligible?
The Unemployment Insurance Program requests information from both the claimant and the employer as to the reasons for the job separation. Those facts are then evaluated according to the requirements as stated in the Colorado Employment Security Act.
Next steps
After you have submitted your application, you should actively look out for work because the benefits you receive will not be enough to cover your living expenses. The best thing to do is to take a look at your job skills and determine if you want to improve or learn new skills so that you can use this opportunity to revive your career. There are plenty of online opportunities to earn a living while working from home.
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State Unemployment Guides
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