Updated : July 10th, 2018
How to claim your benefits in Colorado
- Apply For Benefits-Colorado
All Information required to apply for unemployment compensation here. - Application
Your questions on benefits answered here. - Benefit Questions
Calculate your benefit amount using our free calculator here. - Calculator
Detailed information on eligibility requirements in your state. - Eligibility
Know more about how you can receive extended benefits. - Extension
More information on what you have to do each week while receiving benefits. - Job Search Requirements
Available resources to enter job market. - Job Training
Helps you locate a One-stop career center closer to you. - Office Locations
Updated list of office phone numbers to assist you contact a claims specialist. - Phone Numbers
Here is what you should do while applying for weekly claims. - Weekly Claims
- Eligibility Calculator-Colorado
Colorado Unemployment 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.
I have been hurt on the job. What do I do?
If you experience a life or limb threatening injury on the job, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room and then notify your supervisor in writing. A life or limb threatening injury means an injury that you believe threatens a portion of your body or your life in such a way that immediate medical care is needed to prevent your death or serious damage. In all other instances, notify your employer or supervisor that you have been injured before obtaining any medical care. All injuries, no matter how small, should be reported to your employer.
If your employer has designated a medical provider before or at the time of the injury, you will be required to see that provider for medical care. If you choose to seek your own medical care it may result in nonpayment of medical benefits and you may be liable for your medical costs. If your employer does not direct you to a medical provider, you may seek treatment from the provider of your choice.
By law, you must notify your employer in writing within four working days of an injury, even if you have advised them verbally. If you do not report your injury to your employer in writing within four working days, you may be penalized and lose up to one day's compensation for each day's delay, provided that your employer has posted a sign requiring four days' written notice. You may still file a claim for benefits even if you are late reporting the injury to your employer.
The insurance company has not responded or has denied my claim. What are my options?
The insurance company may deny your claim for a variety of reasons. If this happens, you should contact the insurance company adjuster to discuss this decision. Sometimes a claim is denied because the insurance adjuster does not have complete and accurate information. You may be able to supply important information to assist the process. An insurance company may also deny a claim if the adjuster has reason to believe that the injury is not work related or if it is believed that further investigation is necessary.
If the workers' compensation insurance company denies your claim, you may be responsible for all medical bills associated with the illness or injury. You may then be eligible for coverage through your private health care insurance policy. If you feel your claim has been incorrectly denied, there are several options available to you. For more information on these options and the time limits that must be followed, contact the Division of Workers' Compensation.
Can I choose my own doctor for an on-the-job injury?
Your employer has the right in the first instance to designate the medical provider that injured employees must use. If your employer does not do so at the time of the injury, you may choose your own medical provider.
After the claim is filed, the insurance company may request that you be examined by another doctor of its choice, at its expense. If you do not go to this examination, the insurance company may ask the Division for permission to stop your benefits.
How long after being furloughed can a government worker apply for unemployment? Trying to hold out as long as possible because we may be entitled to back pay.
I suggest you call the Unemployment Office to find out.
Worked in CO and I am getting laid off. Using the Rule of 65 I am “retirement eligible”, but had no plans to do so. My employer may identify me, (with or without my consent), as retired in their internal systems. Can I still collect unemployment insurance in CO even if they do this?
Donna,
You should be able to collect, provided you’re able and available for work. Please call the Unemployment Office for details.
I worked two part time positions at schools. One school decided not to renew my employment for next school year. This job was my main source of income. I still have my other part time position. Would I be able to apply for unemployment because they aren’t continuing my “contract” due to me not being a “good fit” for the position anymore?
Lee,
Contract workers do not qualify since employers’ generally do not remit Unemployment Taxes into the system. Please either consult your employer or call the Unemployment Office for clarification.
I was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. I was told I will be required for medical testing, chemo therapy, pain medication. I am a field rep for the U<S< Census bureau which requires a lot of driving and personal interviews interviewee homes. I want to know if I am eligible for unemployment in CO?
Lynda,
Hope you get well soon.
I am not sure if personal reasons such as health are considered. Please call the Unemployment Office to find out more.
I have been working at a company for 3 years. My mother’s health is failing, she has fallen several times and needs some care. I am a salaried employee, our company only gives us 5 days of PTO per year. I requested to be changed to an hourly status so I can care for my mother when necessary and I am only paid for the time I am at work. I would still be working over 35 hours a week. My employer said he was going to ask me to take on additional responsibilities, so he could not accommodate me. The company is growing. He suggested that I find a job that is more flexible for my situation. I feel like he talked me into leaving the company. Would this reason for leaving make me eligible for unemployment benefits?
Generally, personal reasons are not considered. Unemployment Insurance benefits are only extended to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons.
Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to clarify.
I had a minor back surgery on 4/4/17 and I have been trying to return to work, but I am now on a crutch due to complications and I work at a hotel as a ssistant general manager and they are making me jump through hoops to go back to work, first they had the dr fill out a 6 pg packet, that wasn’t good enough, they wanted a return to work note, that wasn’t good enough,they wanted another dr note stating how long I will need a crutch. My manager was telling me I wouldn’t be able to handle an emergency with a crutch. I have not been paid during my time out. Would I qualify for UI benefits? I’m not sure if they are going to let me return to work or not.
Unfortunately, personal reasons such as health are not considered. You will not qualify to claim UI benefits.
Please check further with the Unemployment Office in your state.
I worked in Colorado, but I live in Wyoming. Where do I file?
Please file from the state where your employment was based.
Can I get unemployment if I quit my job for hostile work environment
Yes, you can be eligible to claim under such circumstances. In case of a dispute, you should be ready to prove the “Hostility”.
After ten years my contract at a state university was not renewed (cancelled days before I was set to start). My classes were given to other full and part time staff. As an affliate professor am I entitled to benefits?
If your employer paid UI taxes into the system, you can be eligible to claim Unemployment Compensation.
Please check with your employer and apply accordingly.
My Unemployment Insurance benefits in Colorado saved my life and keep me afloat. I thought that by now I would be able to find employment but that’s not the case. My UI is about to expire, is there a possibility to file for extension?
The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.
I need to leave my job and move out of Colorado because living at this altitude creates too many health issues. My doctor is in concurrence with this. Can I drop unemployment?
You should be able to draw. Please confirm by calling the Unemployment Office.
My daughter has worked for a pizza company delivering pizzas for 4 years. She is pregnant and needs to take off due to her pregnancy. Is she eligible for unemployment until she is physical able to return to work? She meets the $2500 made within the last quarter. Thank you!
Your daughter will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
Your Colorado benefits calculator is wrong, Colorado punishes people for not working in a quarter! They do not publish this fact! I got to find out the hard way, they cut me to 13 weeks eligibility even though I had over 60,000 in income because I hadn’t worked in one quarter!!!!!
Will,
The calculator is just an estimate of benefits, not final and binding. Your state decides how much you qualify for based on internal assessment.
I am being cut $2.32 an hour from my job, because of work force alignment. I’m 57 can I collect unemployment for the reduction in pay
Yes, you can.
I noticed when I went in to claim that there is an appeal received and pending from my employer (University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz). I know my actual boss has no interest in filing for the appeal and it may just be an auto response? Who can he contact regarding the fact he never wanted to fire me and stop the appeal? He is a busy man and does not want to be bothered with a hearing.
Thanks
This question is specific in nature and best answered by the authorities at the labor dept in your state.
Please call them.
I have moved scents I filed unemployment need my new address for my (1099G)UI needs my new address
Where in pueblo Colorado can i go to speak with them about filing unemployment?
Can I get a guide line, outline on how to write a brief for an appeal?
Check the Colorado Unemployment website. I was not aware a brief would be required for an appeal. Check the information on appeals that was likely mailed to you with your financial determination. Google is always a good source for research.
I would like to know how do I go about finding out just how much I will be getting when I file for unemployment?
Go to the Colorado Unemployment website. Usually there is an explanation and maybe even a table that will give you an idea of what your weekly benefit would be. If you already applied, you should receive this information shortly.
I got injured on the job a month and a half ago. I need to have surgery but workers comp hasn’t approved it yet, meanwhile my 45 days for continuation of pay has expired and Im restricted to 3 hours of work a day. Am I eligible for temporary benifits until OWCP approves the surgery and starts paying me for hours lost?
how can i get work search log or form downloaded?
I reviewed the Statement of Wages & Possible Benefits document. The wages reported by my former employer included social security & medicare wages. Is this correct or should I send in a correction to reflect box 1 of my W-2 which includes wages, tips, other comp.?
Thank you – E
Can I retire from my current job and still be eligible for unemployment?
If I retire from the US Army and must have surgery (mandatory) that will leave me unable to seek employment for 6-8 months; do I qualify for any other type of unemployment instead of the basic claim amount, like short or long term compensation?
I am currently receiving CO STATE UI benefits, which will expire in June (I think). Experation of state UI benefits will occur because I will have reached the 26 week maximum.
Because I was laid off, and am still unemployed, will I qualify for an extension, or become eligible for Federal UI benefits?
If “yes”, do I need to do anything to qualify for the Federal UI benefits or will they “automatically” start when the State benefits are exhausted?
I was harrassed until I couldnt handle the abuse anymore of going to work..Waking everyday wondering who im going to fight with today! None of my bosses did anything to the people causing the harrasment…
How and where do I apply for employment? Where is the closest umemployment office in Westminster, CO?
Hello,
I am self-employed(S corp) and about to lose a client which accounts for all my income.
Would I be eligible for unemployment?
Thank you
If your company moves 30-35 miles away to another city can I still get unemployment if I feel this is too far away or not
This is for colorado