1
Personal Info
2
Employment
3
Income
4
Results
Personal Information
Your information is secure and will only be used to calculate your benefits estimate.
Employment Details
Be honest about your reason for unemployment - it affects your eligibility.
Income Information
Your benefits are typically calculated as a percentage of your previous earnings.
Your Estimated Benefits
$0
Weekly Benefit Amount
Duration
0 weeks
Total Benefits
$0
Start Date
N/A
Income Comparison
Important Notice
- This is an estimate based on the information provided
- Actual benefits may vary based on eligibility verification
- You must file an official claim to receive benefits
- Active job search is required while receiving benefits
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Colorado, you must meet these criteria:
- Unemployed through no fault of your own - Laid off, reduced hours, or quit with good cause
- Physically able to work - Not disabled or unable to perform job duties
- Available for work - Ready to accept suitable employment immediately
- Actively seeking work - Making genuine efforts to find employment each week
- Base period earnings - Must have earned sufficient wages during your base period (first 4 of last 5 completed quarters)
Good Cause Examples: Unsafe working conditions, employer not paying wages, significant change in job duties, domestic violence situations, or caring for an ill family member.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for unemployment benefits:
- File your claim online - Visit MyUI+ at colorado.gov/cdle
- Complete initial application - Provide personal and employment information
- Register with Connecting Colorado - Required job search portal
- Wait for determination - Usually takes 2-3 weeks
- Request weekly payments - File claims each week you're unemployed
Important: File your claim as soon as possible after losing your job. Benefits are not paid retroactively for weeks before you file.
Required Documents
Have these documents ready when applying:
- Social Security Number - For you and any dependents
- Driver's License or State ID - Valid government-issued photo ID
- Employment information - Names, addresses, and dates of employment for all employers in the last 18 months
- Reason for separation - Detailed explanation for each job
- Alien Registration Number - If not a U.S. citizen
- Union information - If applicable
Tip: Keep copies of all documents and correspondence related to your unemployment claim for your records.
Payment Timeline
Understanding when and how you'll receive payments:
- Week 1: File initial claim - Submit your application online
- Week 2-3: Processing period - CDLE reviews your claim
- Week 3: First payment - If approved, via debit card or direct deposit
- Weekly: File claims - Request payment each week of unemployment
- Payment method - Choose between debit card or direct deposit
Payment Schedule: Payments are typically made within 2-3 business days after your weekly claim is processed. Holidays may delay payments.
Your Responsibilities
While receiving benefits, you must:
- File weekly claims - Request payment each week, even if you haven't found a job
- Actively seek work - Make at least 5 job contacts per week
- Document job search - Keep records of all applications and contacts
- Accept suitable work - Don't refuse appropriate job offers
- Report all earnings - Include part-time work and side gigs
- Be available for work - Ready to start immediately when offered a job
Consequences: Failure to meet these requirements can result in denial of benefits, repayment of received benefits, or potential fraud charges.
Additional Support Programs
Beyond unemployment benefits, Colorado offers:
- PEAK Colorado - Apply for food assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, and cash benefits
- Colorado Works - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Energy Assistance - LEAP helps with heating and utility bills
- Housing Support - Rental assistance and foreclosure prevention
- Training Programs - WIOA provides free job training and education
- Child Care Assistance - CCAP helps pay for childcare while you work or search for jobs
Get Help: Call 2-1-1 Colorado to connect with local resources and support services in your area.
Success!
Your calculation is complete.
