Colorado Unemployment Insurance

Colorado Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a “temporary wage replacement” program that pays benefits to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Each state sets its own guidelines for eligibility for UI benefits, but you usually qualify if you:

1. have lost a job through no fault of your own;
2. are unemployed or partially unemployed for reasons permissible under federal law;
3. are “able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work;” and
4. have earned at least a certain amount of money during a “base period” prior to becoming unemployed. In most states, this is usually the first 4 out of the last 5 completed calendar quarters prior to the time that your claim is filed.

According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, to qualify for unemployment benefits in Colorado, you must have earned at least $2,500 in wages during your base period, which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim.¹

How much unemployment benefits can I get in Colorado?

According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the weekly benefit amount currently may not exceed $884 per week, or be less than $25.¹ Benefits are typically available for up to 26 weeks, but this may be extended during times of high unemployment.

What is the maximum duration of unemployment benefits in Colorado?

The maximum duration in Colorado is 26 weeks per benefit year. Additional weeks are available only when extended benefits are triggered by a high state unemployment rate.

How do I sign up for unemployment in Colorado?

To get an estimate of how much your UI Benefits will be before you file a new claim, use this estimator . When you are ready to file a claim, go to MyUI+  or call (303) 318-9000 for assistance.