How do I file for unemployment benefits in Colorado?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in Colorado?

Colorado unemployment is administered by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 8-70-101 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at cdle.colorado.gov through the MyUI+ portal. - File the first week of unemployment. - The waiting week was eliminated in 2024 for most claimants. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $25 to $781 per week (2025). - Calculated as either 60% of 1/26th of high-quarter wages OR 50% of 1/52nd of total base-period wages, whichever is higher. - Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits. 3. Eligibility Requirements (C.R.S. § 8-73-107) - Base-period wages of at least $2,500 . - Lost work through no fault of your own — not fired for misconduct (§ 8-73-108(5)) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 8-73-108(4)). - Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 5 work search activities per week — tied for the highest in the country. - Must register at ConnectingColorado.com within the first week. - Maintain a written log. 5. Certifying for Benefits - Certify every 2 weeks through MyUI+. - Earnings up to 25% of WBA are disregarded. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 20 calendar days of the mailing date. - Hearings are conducted by Hearing Officers. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Colorado unemployment is administered by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 8-70-101 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at cdle.colorado.gov through the MyUI+ portal.

File the first week of unemployment.

The waiting week was eliminated in 2024 for most claimants.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $25 to $781 per week (2025).

Calculated as either 60% of 1/26th of high-quarter wages OR 50% of 1/52nd of total base-period wages, whichever is higher.

Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits.

3. Eligibility Requirements (C.R.S. § 8-73-107)

Base-period wages of at least $2,500.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not fired for misconduct (§ 8-73-108(5)) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 8-73-108(4)).

Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 5 work search activities per week — tied for the highest in the country.

Must register at ConnectingColorado.com within the first week.

Maintain a written log.

5. Certifying for Benefits

Certify every 2 weeks through MyUI+.

Earnings up to 25% of WBA are disregarded.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 20 calendar days of the mailing date.

Hearings are conducted by Hearing Officers.

This is legal information, not legal advice.