Colorado Unemployment Eligibility

Colorado Unemployment Eligibility

Colorado Unemployment Eligibility Calculator

eligibility_img Unemployment Eligibility Calculator Previous

For residents of Colorado who have lost employment through no fault of their own, unemployment insurance benefits provide important financial assistance. If you want to apply for Colorado unemployment benefits, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the state’s eligibility requirements and how they relate to your specific situation. We’ve outlined here everything you need to know about eligibility for Colorado unemployment insurance benefits.

Financial eligibility requirements

To be found eligible for Colorado unemployment benefits, you must first meet the state’s financial eligibility requirements. For example, you must have earned at least $2500 during your base period, which is the timeframe used to make a decision regarding your claim. In Colorado, the standard base period is the first four of the last five complete calendar quarters before you submit your initial claim. A calendar quarter is a three-month consecutive period.

In some cases, if you didn’t earn at least $2500 during your base period, you may be allowed to use an alternate base period for your claim – this is defined as the four most recently completed calendar quarters.

If you are still employed, but working a reduced schedule of under 32 hours per week that earns you less than the weekly benefit amount that unemployment benefits would provide, you also may be considered eligible for Colorado UI benefits.

While you collect unemployment compensation, you may choose to work part-time. According to employment law in Colorado, you can continue to draw your full weekly benefit amount until you earn an amount equal to half that amount per week through your part-time work. At that point, the state will deduct one dollar from your weekly benefit amount for every dollar you earn through your part-time job.

Non-monetary eligibility requirements

In addition to Colorado’s financial eligibility requirements, successful applicants will meet additional criteria not related to earnings. These include, first and foremost, losing your job through no fault of your own. The reason you lost your job is the most important factor when it comes to whether your unemployment claim will be approved.

  • Be unemployed through no fault of your own
  • Be able, available, and actively seeking work
  • Register with a Workforce Center in Colorado or in the state in which you live in. You can register for work by visiting your local Workforce Center.
  • Quitting job for a good cause
  • Be willing to accept suitable work
  • Fired from job for “just cause”

You also need to have worked for a Colorado employer who deducted income tax and other taxes from your wages and who reports your earnings on a W-2 tax form each year. Even if you are a Colorado resident, if your work took place in another state, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits in Colorado – instead, you’ll need to apply for unemployment benefits through the state in which you worked and where unemployment taxes were paid by your employer on your behalf.

In addition, you must be able, willing and available to accept appropriate work when it’s offered. That means you have no physical or mental health concerns that would prevent you from accepting a new job. And it means that you are in town, with appropriate transportation, child care, and other arrangements in place so that you can begin a new job immediately.

For each week you collect unemployment insurance benefits, you’ll be required to file a Colorado UI weekly claim that verifies you’re still eligible to collect your benefit payment. These claims also serve as a formal request for your weekly payment. You’ll need to provide documentation of your work search activities, which can include completing job applications, participating in any interviews you’re invited to, reaching out to potential employers, and attending appropriate training and job preparation at a Colorado Workforce Center.

The state recommends that you perform five work search activities each week as part of your Colorado unemployment work search requirements. Keep in mind that the state will verify the information you’re providing and reserves the right to audit your documentation for up to two years after the start date of your initial claim.

Colorado Unemployment Security Act

Passed in May of 2022, the Colorado Unemployment Security Act established Colorado’s commitment to ensuring that all workers in Colorado are made aware of the unemployment benefits available to them. To that end, the Act requires that all Colorado employers notify all separating employees that Colorado unemployment benefits may be a viable option.

In addition, employers must provide in writing all the information an employee needs to apply for benefits, which includes the following:

  • Full name and mailing address of the employee
  • Full name and mailing address of the employer
  • The last four digits of the employee’s Social Security number
  • The employee’s start date, the date of the employee’s last date of work, and year-to-date earnings and earnings for the last full week the employee worked
  • The reason for the employee’s separation

Having this information provided at separation makes it that much easier for an unemployed worker to immediately apply for Colorado unemployment insurance benefits.

Job Separation

According to Colorado employment law, your reason for separating from employment is the most relevant factor in whether your Colorado unemployment benefits claim will be approved. You must be able to show either that you have lost employment through no fault of your own – for example, through a reduction in force, a layoff, or a downsizing effort.

“Fault” is generally recognized as control or choice on your part over the circumstances that led to your becoming unemployed. Many Colorado unemployment compensation claims are denied because the claimant is judged to have exercised choice over leaving their previous employment.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment will contact your previous employer to verify your reason for separation, and any objection to your claim by your former employer could cause a delay in your claim being approved – or even for your claim to be denied.

Am I eligible to draw benefits if I am fired?

If you are fired in Colorado, you can typically collect unemployment benefits as long as your employer didn’t discharge you for gross misconduct.

Colorado defines gross misconduct as:

  1. Negligence,
  2. Repeated absences
  3. Harm or the willful disregard of the employer’s interests in such a way that demonstrates the employee’s guilt or wrongful intent,
  4. When an employee assaults or threatens to assault his co-workers or superiors

In most cases, you can’t collect unemployment if you were fired for cause, but there are exceptions. The burden of proof is on the employer to show there was cause to fire you. If the employer doesn’t provide it, you might be able to collect. If the employer does show evidence, the CDLE (Colorado Department of Labor and Employment) gives you the option to provide your own proof you were fired for reasons other than just cause or that violate the state labor laws. You might show written communication between the two parties, notarized witness statements and any other relevant information that backs up your claim.

What happens if I get laid off?

Generally, in Colorado you have to have lost your job through no mistake of your own in order to receive unemployment. When you get laid-off, it is not your fault.

Getting laid off does not mean that you were fired or did something wrong. It just means that the company in which you worked did not have suitable work and could no longer afford to pay for your job.

In almost all cases, this means that if you get laid-off, you are eligible to collect unemployment benefits.

If you get laid-off from your job, you should immediately apply for unemployment benefits.

Can I Collect unemployment if I quit my job?

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.

Colorado workers may be able to get unemployment benefits if they had no choice but to quit. If you quit due to abusediscrimination, were required to perform illegal activities in the course of duty, had to accompany a military spouse stationed elsewhere or could no longer work due to injury or illness, then you may be eligible for unemployment.

Some of the other reasons include:

  • Domestic violence
  • Personal harassment by the employer not related to the job performance
  • Hazardous working conditions
  • medical conditions

How does the Division of Unemployment Insurance determine who is eligible?

The Division of Unemployment Insurance 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.

You can appeal if your claim is denied

If you apply for Colorado unemployment insurance benefits and your claim is denied, you may appeal the decision. This action entails submitting a Colorado unemployment appeal within 20 calendar days of the date on your notification letter. Submit your appeal online through MyUI+ by viewing your Notice of Determination – or you may use the form on the back of your physical Notice of Determination to write and submit your request for appeal. Include a clear explanation of what you disagree with and why.

Once your appeal request is received, you’ll be asked to participate in a hearing, and you’ll receive an updated determination following that hearing. This entire process may take anywhere from four to six weeks.

Have Questions? —-> Read Colorado UI Benefit Questions

Want to know about how much you will receive?? —–>Calculate your Colorado UI benefits here

  1. Colorado defines gross misconduct as:

    Negligence,
    Repeated absences
    Harm or the willful disregard of the employer’s interests in such a way that demonstrates the employee’s guilt or wrongful intent,
    When an employee assaults or threatens to assault his co-workers or superiors

    Hi! Can you please define “negligence” per Colorado law, as noted in the paragraph above?

    Thanks

    • Laurie, under Colorado law, negligence is defined as the failure to behave in a way that a responsible person would have in the same situation.

  2. I recently left my job of 5 years to accept another offer. After accepting the job and moving, my new employer laid me off after 1 month at the company (they laid off 1/3 of their employees due to financial problems). The unemployment office denied my benefits because I “quit” my previous job to accept a new one. Therefore, my 12 months of benefits was reduced to 1 month. This seems like a loophole. What should I do?

    Reasoning and Findings
    Based on information received, our investigation has determined that you quit this employment to accept other employment. You do not meet the criteria for a full award of benefits under 8-73-108 (4) (f) of the Colorado Employment Security Act. It is determined you are responsible for the separation and a disqualification is being imposed.
    Applicable Section of Law
    Colorado Employment Security Act: 8-73-108 (5)(e)(V)
    Effect of this Determination
    By law, we cannot pay you benefits based on the wages you earned from this employer. We must remove the money for those benefits from your claim. We might be able to pay you benefits based on wages you earned from other employers, if any.

    • Hi, Al – you may want to check with a qualified unemployment attorney to find out if you have any recourse in this situation. Because you quit the job where the majority of your base-period earnings were earned, those wages can’t be used to calculate your unemployment benefits. You may be better off negotiating severance with the employer who laid you off – an unemployment attorney can help you understand that process, along with making sure the company provided appropriate advance notice of a group layoff. While Colorado is an at-will employment state, workers do have rights when it comes to group layoffs, so it’s important to make sure your company has operated with those rights in mind.

  3. My UI Claims balance has been exhausted as of this week. Is there any way to request an extension, or has that program ended? Thank you for your help!

    • Hi, Charlie – it doesn’t look like extended benefits are available in Colorado right now, since the unemployment rate sits at about 2.8 percent. When the unemployment rate in Colorado rises above 5 percent, a federally funded program called State Extended Benefits kicks in, providing an additional 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits for those who have already met Colorado unemployment eligibility requirements. It’s automatic for those already enrolled in UI benefits, but once the unemployment rate falls below 5 percent, the extended benefits go away and can’t come back for at least 13 weeks.

  4. My current employer is not paying my full wages on time. My employer owes me wages for May as well as June…if I quit because my employer is not paying my wages, would I qualify for unemployment?

    • Hi, Beth – it is possible, in some cases, to be approved for UI benefits if you quit your job voluntarily. You usually have to show that your employer has created such a harmful environment that you had no choice but to resign your position. In this case, you might be better off doing everything you can to get your employer to pay. In Colorado, you can submit a demand for wages to your employer. More here: https://cdle.colorado.gov/complaint#:~:text=If%20your%20employer%20does%20not,or%20by%20filing%20in%20court. If that doesn’t work within 14 days, you also can file a formal complaint through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, and you may even be entitled to additional penalties in addition to the wages you’re owed. Going this route might get you paid faster than quitting your job and then starting a UI benefits claim.

  5. I applied for unemployment and was denied because I “quit”. They asked me why I quit and I told them it was because I was told I would be promoted within the company if another coworker of mine decided to take her promotion. The coworker eventually agreed and was promoted. I was not. I am a single mother and could not keep making it on the money I was making paying all my bills and daycare for 50 hours a week. It was finacially impossible. I did not tell unemployment that. All I told them was that I was promised a promotion and never got it and couldnt stay stuck in a dead end job with no advancement.
    So I told my new manager (said coworker) that I was going to look for another job because the hours and the pay werent worth it as I was falling behind. Not to mention I was on “salary”. If I didnt put in 50/hours a week or more I wouldnt get my salary and they would pro rate it. Being a single mother, things come up sometimes. Kids get sick etc. My manager also knew I was falling behind and encouraged me to find another job. It was about 3 weeks before I found one. I stayed at the job the entire time until I found another job beacause I couldnt afford to just quit. I feel like not making the money it takes to provide for your family is a good reason to change jobs. Do you think I have a chance at winning an appeal if I tell them this information? I didnt mention the fact that I was drowning to unemployment because I didnt think it was necessary. Just that I changed jobs to a company I could advance in. I also am not sure who they talked to but they did not speak with my manager at all. I asked her. Where are they getting their information from? The manager above her had it out for me when I worked there (reason for not being promoted) and was hardly ever at the place of work to know anything that was going on.

  6. I have a disability (mental illness that was well controlled and did not interfere with my duties.) There was a change in ownership at my company and many people left after they came. Due to this, other’s responsibilities grew to ridiculous levels, due to their hiring practices, we had a lot of people but they weren’t capable of performing the work. I personally was experiencing constant non-discriminatory harassment from a client. I worked with my leadership for months to try to get the client under control and follow protocol. At the time I was also suffering due to becoming the primary income for my family. I found out recently that I was not being fairly compensated when HR accidentally sent me someone far less qualified’s pay and it was equal to mine. The stress built to a head and I eventually snapped and did something uncharacteristic due to a mental breakdown. I wrote a review that was supposed to be anonymous in a place where it was meant to be shared. I realized later it was…not good, so I took it down of my own accord, but my company had seen it. As a result I have been demoted and told I’m not trusted to hold leadership roles anymore. They have removed me from my team, where I was a very highly respected asset. I feel like I have absolutely no chance of fair treatment moving forward, and I feel like the hostility will continue and they are going to try and quiet fire me. Do I have just cause to quit? I want to work, but this environment is not tolerable and will continue to worsen my mental illness.

    • Hi, there – you may want to visit with an unemployment lawyer in Colorado to find out more about your options. It is possible, in some cases, to be found eligible for benefits even if you voluntarily quit your job. In those cases, you’ll need to show that you were in a situation so harmful to your mental and/or physical health that you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. This can be difficult to prove, so talking with a lawyer can help you understand the legal threshold and whether your situation applies.

  7. Hello I am wanting to leave my job do to many factors…2 mojor ones are I sold something based on my training and what I was told by my boss and now come to find out it wasnt true and homeowners are upset and canceling jos. Secondly my car broke down and I am not allowed to get new appointments because I cannot come to the office. My job is 100% and virtual sales, which I can do and have done in the past from home. If I quit am I able to collect unemployment?

    • Hi, Matt – if you quit your job, you’ll need to be able to show that you quit with good cause in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits. These cases are decided on an individual basis, so you may want to check directly with someone in the Colorado unemployment office to discuss the specifics of your situation. In most cases, you’ll need to show that your employer’s actions created an environment that was dangerous to your physical or mental health or in some other way created an environment that left you no choice but to quit. It ultimately will be up to Colorado unemployment reviewers to determine whether your case meets the criteria for good cause.

  8. Asked to preform unlawful tasks such as driving semi with no CDL. Others like hauling in safe loads such as one chain to haul loader.

  9. I quit my job two months ago because my car broke down, however I received a letter today saying they fired me a couple days ago due to repeated absences. Can I get unemployment?

    • Hi, Tessa – it’s hard to say without knowing more about the specifics of your case. You should connect with someone in the Colorado unemployment office to discuss the details of your situation. Generally, if you quit your job, you must show that you quit with good cause in order to be considered eligible for unemployment benefits. And – if you were let go, you’ll need to show that it was for no fault of your own, as with a layoff or reduction in force. If your employer reports that you were terminated because of excessive absences, you may have a difficult time supporting your claim.

  10. I had to quit my job to help care for my father in another state. He had a major stroke and is paralyzed on his left side since 2018. It has become harder to find help for him at home. Do I qualify for unemployment after leaving my job of 9 years to help care for him? I will also be actively looking for employment in the state.

    • I left my job in Colorado to care for elderly relative in South Carolina. Would I still be eligible for unemployment benefits?

      • Hi, Sam – it’s a good idea to connect with someone in the South Carolina unemployment office to discuss the specifics of your situation. In some cases, leaving to care for a family member can be considered good cause for leaving a position, meaning a claimant is eligible for unemployment benefits. But that determination is made on a case by case basis.

    • Hi, Marie – first, hope your father’s health improves. You may find it helpful to call and speak with someone from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment about the specifics of your situation. You can reach them at 303-318-9000 or 1-800-388-5515.

  11. I am being given the workload of several coworkers who have left due to the failing of the business and personal reasons. I am a team lead, and am also doing the job of collections as well as the duties of an employee that has left and will not be replaced. My job has quadrupled from the time I started and I just can’t keep doing it. I am physically incapable of handling the stress of this workload. Can I safely quit? What level of workload would be a good cause for my departure?

    • Hi, Joshua – under Colorado unemployment law, you will not be eligible to collect unemployment benefits unless you had “good cause” for quitting your job. In general, good cause means leaving your job for any of the following reasons:

      Domestic violence – as in, you had to leave the area in order to avoid further violence or harassment
      Personal harassment by the employer or the employer’s failure to stop harassment by a coworker
      Hazardous working conditions
      A medical condition

      If you believe your situation represents any of the above, it would be wise to connect with a qualified unemployment attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.

  12. There is a federal law/regulation that states that an employee who is sick or fatigue cannot drive a commercial vehicle and companies are prohibited from requesting or allowing an employee to do so. I was just recently in this situation where I hadn’t slept in over 24hrs and told my employer this stating that it is not safe for me to drive or be working. The employer still insisted that work(which does include driving) and I refused. The employer is now terminating me because of this. Can I claim unemployment?

    • Dear Donald White,
      Unfortunately what you describe happens every day, especially as we are facing a shortage of OTR and other types of drivers. Hopefully, you have some kind of documentation about what happened but even if you don’t, it doesn’t hurt to apply. In Colorado as in other states you have to have earned a certain amount of money, which it’s likely you did.

      This is from our website:
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      Best,

      Jean

  13. Was laid off due to COVID in 2021. I while looking for full time work and collecting unemployment, I went back to school and finished my bachelors degree hoping it would help find work easier and better work at that. It did and I finally got employed a few months after graduating when I added a bachelors to my applications. Was it ok that I collected unemployment while going back to college ? I received no additional aid like grants and took out private loans to pay for the two semester. I activity searched for full time work while in those two spring and summer semesters. I hope I didn’t do something wrong. Please help

    • Please note UI benefits are only extended to claimants who are actively seeking employment and fulfil all the criteria.

  14. I work for a company which is being demonstrated right now as unsafe working conditions however thats not exactly all the problem I live 1 hour 15 mins from work and I’m having transportation problems I feel like they are wanting to fire me even though I have continued to work in those unsafe conditions what happens if I do get fired for lack of I guess responsibility to be able to get to work? I been with the company 13 years and have never been in trouble with the company

    • Kelly,

      You can be eligible to quit and claim for “hostile” working conditions. However, transport may not be a valid reason. I suggest you talk to a Claims Rep over the phone before arriving at a decision.

  15. The work environment is beyond toxic with coworkers that are demeaning and disrespectful to each other constantly. Theme main manager when I was hired said he hopes I can change the attitudes and atmosphere. It’s taking a toll to the point I am having breakdowns each day and feeling like harming myself. I feel that I need to quit for my mental health but I can’t make it without unemployment- what happens here?

    • Stephanie,

      You can be eligible to quit and claim under “Hostile” working conditions. However, you should be able to prove in case of a dispute. I suggest you talk to colleagues/expert before making a move.

  16. I was let go for job abandonment when I came down with a cough and sore throat. I specifically consulted the covid compliance officer and she says that anyone with a cough or sore throat shouldn’t in in office. I have effectively communicated with management before I was out sick. Somehow I was still let go. To add to this I do not have a doctors not because I still have a cough and sore throat. My results came back negative for covid.

    • Dave,

      You can be eligible to claim if you let go due to trivial reasons. Make sure to keep all supporting documents handy (in case of a dispute).

  17. Hello. I recently left an employer after being assaulted by a customer, who threw a can of hair spray at me, hitting me in the stomach. I have Schizoaffective disorder, and have seen the work environment drastically become more dangerous due to unruly customers. I have worked for this company for almost 7 months. Would I be eligible for UI benefits for leaving a job due to dangerous work conditions such as disgruntled customers and risk of assault from customers?

    • Kevin,

      I am sorry to hear about the incident. You can be eligible to quit and claim UI benefits under “hostile” working conditions. However, ask yourself if this is just a one-off incident or you’re at constant risk.

  18. I’ve worked for a Christian non profit, part time (30 hours/week), for several years. The organization lawfully discriminates on religious grounds and requires a statement of faith to be signed upon hiring. I signed that statement of faith years ago, but my beliefs have evolved and I am no longer in alignment with the organization.

    If the organization asks me to reaffirm my religious beliefs, as I have reason to think may happen soon, I will decline to do so and tell them that I have left the faith. My understanding is that I would then be fired. If that happens, would I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

      • Hi. I was unable to sign up online for my workforce center as my SSN wasn’t working. I missed the deadline to “register for work”. I am now ineligible for benefits for a year. If I am able to register late will I be able to be eligible again or am I now unable to collect?

        • Hi, Maddie – you should connect with someone in the Colorado unemployment office to discuss the specifics of your claim. They’ll be able to see your account/claim information and advise on your eligibility status. You should be able to speak to someone at either 303-318-9000 or 800-388-5515.

  19. Hello, I recently quit a job that my wife and i both worked at. She is still there. After quitting ( i turned in my 2 weeks and almost finished them out but the company was treating me poorly for quitting so i left early. ) Upon turning in my keys and heading out the building the administrator chased me down as i was telling my wife i was heading home and started throwing her hands in my face and talking badly about our children in front of my wife who had nothing to do with the situation. My wife fills that she can no longer work for this company as she fells harassed from the head of the company talking badly about her children. Would this fall under good cause to leave the company as it is Harassment by the employer. Now they also don’t even talk to her since I have left last week.

    • Jimmy,

      It depends. If the stress is caused due to hostile/dangerous working conditions, you can. Its a tricky situation.

  20. I’m currently working for CDLE and on one year probation. If my employer decided they do not want to keep me on and do not pass probation. Do I qualify for unemployment benefits?

    • Amy,

      UI benefits are offered to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons (E.g: Layoffs). You can still consider applying if you’re asked to leave (hope that is not the case).

  21. I hope this is where you leave questions about your situation. I was working in sprouts for 2 years. I was the overnight manager. Sprouts is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and so I had a key to the front door to let employees in that started their shift before the store opened. It is the only door that the key opened. My mother is on hospice and I had to attend an emergency meeting for her as her health is deteriorating. I needed to leave the store by 6:15 at the latest I was told that the day grocery manager would be in prior to 6:00 a.m. at 6:00 a.m. when he had not arrived I text him and asked him when he would be there and explain to him that I had to leave and why. At 6:15 he still had not responded so I gave my key to the scan department manager and asked her if she would open the door if any employees came between then and when the day manager got there. Evidently HR and loss prevention was called by somebody and I was interviewed by loss prevention about what I did. I told them what I did and why I did it and told them that I figured they would be understanding of my situation and I gave the key to a department manager. They told me that it was a serious matter and suspended me pending an investigation which ended in my termination. I explained to them that I had no reason to believe that it was that serious of a matter because the key holder policy stated nothing about any disciplinary action at all for giving your key to anybody. it also states in the policy is that before someone is given the key they are supposed to be trained I was never trained. I asked them to please consider a lesser consequence seeing as I had mitigating factors and that I was not aware that it was an issue that termination was the consequence. I asked couldn’t they give me a warning or take the key for me or write me up or even demote me but not terminate me as I was a valuable employee and that I really needed my job and I also told them I didn’t realize that it was a such a serious issue and I was certainly sorry that I did it and I would not have done it if I knew and that it would never happen again and they said no they just terminated me. I think the fact that I was not aware that I was going to be terminated for doing what I did and that I had an emergency and the key only opens the front door of the store that had 20 people in it to begin with that had already started their shift. It states on other policies specifically about consequences and disciplinary actions but on the keyholder policy it states nothing about the consequence or any disciplinary actions at all. Nobody in the right mind that wanted their job would do something that they knew was going to get them fired for sure. I had no idea

  22. On Friday, I requested Monday like vacation day and my supervisor approved it but in the afternoon he cancel my vacation day and he told me if I not report to work on Monday I will be fired. So, I never show up because was approved. so they fire me as not call not show. can I collect unemployment?

  23. I’ve been employed with this company just close to a year i signed a paper stating that i would be 5 star certified in answering the phone in 30 days or i would be terminated well 30 days are over and im currently only 4 star certified will i be able to receive unemployment due to this termination?

    • Amanda,

      UI benefits are extended to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons. Performance issues are generally not considered. Please speak to the Unemployment Office.

  24. I was recently told that my “services were no longer needed”. I had just finished four 12 hour hour night shifts in a row.
    At my job I had completed 3 months of training being on the job for a bit over three and a half months.
    I had hurt my back on the job but seem to have recovered.
    With my training over I was given my own shift and had begun working solo multi day 12 hour shifts.
    Most recently we had discussed my work in written communication. I stated that I had the basics in hand, and that I was beginning to be able to cope with the out of the normal situations. I said that the work was challenging, however I was up for the challenge.
    She said that she agreed with me and had raised my pay to the fully hired rate.
    I was expecting to have a conversation with my manager about how I was doing once our work schedule coincided in 7 days.
    But instead the day after my last shift at the beginning my scheduled time off she left a message on my phone saying that my “services were no longer needed”.
    She said if I wanted to know why she would tell me why. I left her a written note saying yes, I would like to know what I had done or not done that led to my firing.
    But as of this date I have not heard from her.
    I had been given information about how I need to do my work as part of my training but I was never under the impression that I wasn’t doing a good job and progressing. Or that my job was in jeopardy. Especially since I was now working alone, been given a raise, and was told that my manager had faith in me learning the job and improving.
    I am wondering if this situation qualifies as losing my job through “no fault of my own”?

    • Christopher,

      If you think it was not “your fault”, we suggest you go ahead and apply with confidence. In case of a dispute, you can submit the required proof and fight it out.

  25. Filing for unemployment had a new position but over hired so they let some of us go. I was on a written warning at job I voluntarily left due to the warning. I was told I was hirable when I left by the HR Manager. But when I went to reapply for a different position with the company they gave me the cold shoulder. I wasn’t eligible. I was denied benefits but didn’t got into total explanation of left job and now trying to appeal with more information on why I left. I had no choice or be walked out in front of my peers at end of cycle.
    I was working for a very large company in the Business department which they claim is sales. But is not. This was a very unethical position where your put in a spot taking calls of disgruntled customers, you have daily quotas where if you take your PTO you get penalized for it by no quota relief. So I was unable to fill quota relief when I was stuck in 3 different snow storms was put on an action plan for not meeting quota. But I had no option the main roads were closed down by the law. There was no quota relief for this. Then I had struggled meeting quotas when I was always present by not being able to fulfill the job due to being ethical. This requires a serious navigation of forcing the client to take a new contract of services when there current isn’t expired or near expiring in order to get new services. This was two fold uncomfortable job due to the two extremes. I was put on a final action from missing work from former snow storms to having a move out of a rental in the remaining months on my action plan that was not offered rental passed the lease. I missed more days again PTO and unable to meet quota. I was on my written warning to meet 100% or i would be fired at the end of the cycle. I was just under the cycle by 98% however due to no fault of my own the upgrades and sales are handled by more employee’s past your sale and therefore the sales can go on hold for install etc, client not home etc, or client changes their mind due to something and it takes you from 98% to much less. Leaving the company the option to fire you when you had no control of the fallouts that happen.

    • Robyn,

      It looks like there was a degree to harassment and hostility at work. Please consider applying for UI benefits if you were separated from the job. In case of a dispute, you can consider filing an “Appeal” with supporting documents.

  26. I have been working for this company since June 2019. I October I reported a work related injury, torn UCL in elbow. This injury take a very long time to heal. It is now January 2020, and my injury has made little to no progress in healing. Workers Comp is paying for all Dr visits. I only have 2 weeks left of light duty. My employer has stated that they are considering letting me go at the end of my light duty on 2 causes. 1, they fear the injury will come back and, 2, if I can’t do my job, they can’t accommodate me so I’m not in a position risking the same injury. This is a repetitive motion injury. If my Dr releases me back to full duty in another week or 2, but my torn UCL is nowhere near healed, workers comp will not pay lost wages in the event I’m fired. I feel I should quit because my employer has set forth unreasonable expectations allowing my arm to heal. It needs rest. My employer has already shown they do not value me or want to make accommodations to reduce the use of my arm at work. So, given this situation, would I be eligible for UI benefits? The emotional stress has reached it peak.

    • Jon,

      Considering UI benefits are only offered to claimants who’re able and available for work, you might still stand a chance. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  27. Can you apply for unemployment benefits before your last day at work? My husband was notified he will be laid off December 30. Does he have to wait till December 30 to apply or can he apply now so everything is ready by the time he’s actually laid off?

  28. My employer asked me to do a 9-week unscheduled training, out of state, knowing I also attend school full time (night classes), effectively forcing me to choose between them or finishing school. When I told them I had to choose school (my last 6 weeks), and could not do the training, they suspended me and then fired me for cause after claiming I misled them about my work related activities. Does this qualify for UI benefits?

    • Can you file for unemployment as an at Will employee in a charter school. Contract was written for two years. School decided not to honor the 2nd year.

    • Sam,

      Please note UI benefits are only extended to claimants who lose their employment due to involuntary reasons.

      • Sam, I’m confused by your answer to Sam above (july 17 and 18).

        You said benefits extended to those who lose jobs due to involuntary reasons. If Sam the questioner lost his job and his employer knew about night school how is that not involuntary?

        Sam will lose money paid to the school by leaving mid term, he will have to take the entire 9 week term over to get his degree or certificate. An employer acting responsibly would have either scheduled the out of state training for another employee at this time or, they would have waited until Sam was able schedule a non school period already in progress to go out of town for work training. It’s clear that Sam got screwed, THEN FIRED. How does he NOT get UI benefits?

        • David,

          Thank you for posting this question. Firstly, determination for UI benefits is purely subjective and differs from case to case. Secondly, this is just an unemployment forum and most of the replies here are only an opinion. Hence, we always recommend visitors to refer the situation back to the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  29. I gave my employer a written two week notice. My employer was so angry she told me to leave stating that my job was stressing me out. I wasn’t stressed at all I was presented with an opportunity at a different company which I accepted. I was not presented with a paycheck when I was terminated and my employer lied in writing as to what she said to me when she told me to pack up my things. Her email states she asked for my keys and presented me with my benefits option – which was NOT the case. During my employment I was continually left out of lunch meetings and usually found the rest of the office at a team building lunches while I was the only person left at the office – that may be discrimination, but I am not sure. She actually terminated me based on misinterpreted information – so she basically flew off the handle and fired me on the spot after receiving my notice. Can I collect for the two weeks I will not be receiving pay?

    • Dena,

      I am not sure if you qualify for not receiving a salary for a specific period during your exit. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

      • I texted my supervisor and told him that I wouldn’t be at work, but had a doctor’s note. He said he did not get the text message. The message is still on my phone, and he received all previous texts that I had sent him in the past. I was fired for no call, no show. Do I qualify for unemployment?

        • This actually depends on what the written policy is with regards to absences states. If there is written policy stating you must call and speak to someone advising you won’t be in, you will not qualify for UI if the company disputes your claim. Most medium to large companies have this type of policy for multiple reasons, but one of the main reasons is to ensure mgmt is aware as soon as possible of an absence. A text can not guarantee this in a consistent manner. Now, if your company does NOT have written policy with specific instructions on how to report an absence, you MIGHT be able to get UI.

        • Liam,

          If you were fired due to involuntary reasons, you can claim. Please go ahead and consider applying and keep supporting proof handy (in case of a dispute).

  30. I have ADHD and my current employer has become so stressful I cannot focus. My anxiety is so bad I have stomach cramps all day. I cannot sleep because of my anxiety of the coming day. I cannot work there much longer. Would this be a sufficient reason to qualify for unemployment?

    • I turned in my two week notice while on maternity leave and they fired me right after turning in the notice. Making it so i wont recive a final paycheck. Could i file for unemployment?

    • M,

      Hope you get well soon. If the ailment is caused by/related to employment, you might be eligible. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  31. MY EMPLOYER GAVE ME A $2/HOUR RAISE LAST PAY PERIOD, THIS MORNING SHE TOLD ME I WAS BEING LET GO BECAUSE WE AREN’T A GOOD FIT. CAN I FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT?

    • My husband was fired last week because the company wanted to move in another direction. Is he eligible for unemployment?

      • Cassie,

        If your husband was asked to leave due to involuntary reasons such as ‘layoffs’, he should be able to claim.

    • Tara,

      If you were let go due to involuntary reasons such as layoffs, please consider applying for UI benefits until you find a job.

  32. My husband is being deployed overseas and my mother who used to be my main source of daycare recently had heart surgery so I no longer have daycare option and paying for other day care is not an option as I cannot afford that and rent/food/bills. If I quit my job can I qualify for unemployment?

    • Alma,

      You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  33. I was recently “let go” from my job after 9 years without a specific reason given. The supervisor claimed he was tasked with letting me go and did not fully know the reasons, just that the owner had made the decision. Can I claim unemployment?

    • Lauryn,

      You should be able to claim UI benefits if you were asked to leave due to involuntary reasons such as layoffs. Please consider applying if this is the case.

  34. My job is accusing me of writing false emails from families we have helped stating I was kind and professional and another employee was rude. They’ve scanned my wor lab top and of course found nothing. All this came about after I asked for a raise following my one year anniversary with them. I’ve been bullied and harassed since this was made public to my Co workers in hopes if quit. I have supporting documents showing a week before me asking for a raise I was being praised for my hard work. They’ve done this to 9 other employees within the last year. Can I get unemployment should they fire me?

    • Melissa,

      Hope things get better for you soon. If you have the supporting documents handy (in case of a dispute), you can be eligible to claim UI benefits until you find employment.

  35. My employer lost a lease at the location I was working at. They offered me a job at another location, doing the same work, but the location is an hour away from my house where I am 20 minutes away at my current location. If I chose not to go, can I collect unemployment?

    • Dan,

      It might be considered voluntary on your part. Please call the Unemployment Office to discuss before making a decision on your current employment.

  36. How is a ‘forced resignation’ handled? If the candidate has both letters, does that suffice as proof that it was forced?

    • Andy,

      If you have enough proof that the resignation was “involuntary”, please consider applying for Unemployment Insurance.

  37. I’ve been in the military for 5 years and in February will be separating. I’ll be attending school full-time beginning March. I have 3 total dependents as well. Do I qualify for unemployment during this time frame?

    • CJ,

      You eligibility varies from state to state. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to find out more.

  38. Can I get unemployment if I get laid off from a contract job in Colorado? The company I work for represents Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley informed them that they will not be going through them any longer and everyone that handles the morgan Stanley account will be laid off before the end of this year. Layoffs already started today, 7/1/18.

    • Kim,

      Contract workers are generally not eligible since employers’ don’t remit unemployment taxes into the system. Please check with your actual employer if they do and apply accordingly.

  39. If I went out on LOA from my job because of an illness and has to move back to my home state to live with someone due to not be able to afford to pay my bills and when I was release to go back to work my job wants me to move back to the state I was working in within a week or I would be considered a no call no show and will be terminated. Even if I have already told them I would need at least a month to save the money to get back to be able to live in that state, would I be eligible for unemployment if they fired me for not being able to move back within a week?

    • Shawn,

      You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office.

  40. I was hired with a physical therapy office in Arkansas to work contract labor. I made $1500-2000 a month. They recently laid me off because they are in financial trouble. Can I file for unemployemnt here?

    Jana

    • Jana,

      If your employer paid Unemployment taxes into the system, you can claim. Please check with your employer or call the Unemployment Office.

  41. I just had seizures and cannot drive for several months at least. I am a sales person and drive to clients so I cannot work. I am temporarily unable to work at current job how do I go about filing as I see nothing that fits this and you need one year before you can get Disability from social security and I expect to be back at work in a few months.

    • John,

      If you’re inquiring about claiming UI benefits, you may not qualify since its extended to claimants who’re able and available for work.

  42. My husband owned a company that he liquidated and laid off all the employees. Am I as his wife eligible for unemployment benefits, if I am willing to work? I worked for full time for 20 years there.

  43. I’m about to be laid off (through no fault of my own) from a part time job where I have averaged 28 hours per week for the last 12 months. Am I eligible to collect unemployment as it stands? Or am I completely ineligible due to it being part-time?

  44. I’d i cant afford daycare and my job won’t change my hours I work from 945-9 at night could I get unemployment if I quit

    • Michael,

      You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  45. In 8/2017 we were all accused of stealing money via e mail. Come to find out there was no money missing. 2/2018 I spoke with hr regarding passive/aggressive behavior from my direct supervisor. Nothing was done. 3/2018 I once again spoke with hr regarding the harassment ( passive aggressive behavior). Told hr in Feb and again in March how it was effecting me( was hoping to have an accident on my way to work so I wouldn’t have to go there). Had a meeting 2 weeks ago and was again falsely accused of over stepping my authority. After tying up loose ends I felt I had to leave the company as the treatment would never stop. Am I eligible for unemployment even though I quit?

    • Terri,

      You can be. Please make sure to gather all required docs supporting your stance and call the Unemployment Office before applying.

  46. My employer gave me a reason for my termination that was ‘she is very complete in the relationship’. She gave the unemployment office the reason of I was ‘rude or offensive’ over an issue that she said she had no intent on firing me for. How does the enemploement office decide if her reason is valid? Is it expected that she must tell the employee the reason they have been fired honestly?

  47. I have been at my job for 3.5 years now. I am unable to return to work due to mental health instability (depression), but my psychologist is legally not allowed to fill out my Medical Leave of Absence form to say that since she is not a “physician”. My general physician says that she is not willing to fill out the paperwork to show that I cannot return to work, since I am “physically fit” to return, just not mentally. If my company says I need to come back to work or be fired, or if I quit, will I still be eligible for UI benefits since I have a medical condition that is preventing me from returning to that specific job?

    • Z,

      Unfortunately, personal reasons such as health conditions are not considered. You may not qualify. Please call the Unemployment Office.

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