How to File for Unemployment in Colorado

Here's what you need to know to file for unemployment in Colorado.

Millions of Americans have had hours cut, lost their jobs, shuttered their businesses, and let long-time staff go. Unemployment numbers have skyrocketed to levels we have not seen before, and nationally, about one in every 10 workers has lost their jobs in recent weeks. The Colorado Department of Labor reports that close to 130,000 claims have been filed over the last three weeks in the state, with many more expected.

New layoffs and furloughs seem to be announced every day in the state, and with the federal aid package approved last month, more workers—including those who are self-employed, independent contractors, and gig workers—can qualify.

There are changes happening in Colorado’s unemployment system to accommodate the new guidelines and benefits, and many are asking how they can apply.

Head over to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment website to get the unemployment claim process started. If you are a gig worker, freelancer, or independent contractor included in the new guidelines, the state is not yet taking these applications.

How to Apply for Unemployment in Colorado:

How to Apply for Unemployment - Filing for Unemployment from CDLE on Vimeo.

There are a few steps to filing a claim, as well as some important information to know before you start. In order to mitigate issues experienced weeks ago with the website crashing due to a high volume of claims, Colorado has implemented a schedule based on the first letter of an applicant's last name to streamline the process:

You may file on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays after 12 p.m. (noon) if your name begins with A through M.
You may file on Monday Wednesday, Friday, and before 12 p.m. (noon) on Saturdays if your name begins with N through Z.

You will need to have the following readily available when you file your claim:

I.D. – Your state driver’s license or I.D. card, military I.D. card, military dependant I.D. card, United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card, Native American tribal document, or a valid driver's license or I.D. card issued by another state or Canada/U.S. Passport.
Social security number.
Legal name and any other names used in the last 18 months.
Address, including zip code and county.

Information on all jobs worked during the last 18 months required, including:

Name and address of each employer.
How much you were paid.
Why you no longer work there.
Be prepared to provide the gross amount of any other income you received (vacation severance, etc.).
You may also be asked about any union information, military discharge information, and other specific forms related to being a federal employee, if applicable.

To qualify you must:

Be unemployed through no fault of your own.
Be able, available, and actively seeking work.
You have earned $2,500 during your base period.
You may also qualify under certain circumstances if you quit your job or were discharged:
- Domestic violence.
- Personal harassment by the employer not related to the job performance.
- Hazardous working conditions.
- Medical conditions.

Once you have all the information needed, you can file your claim on the website:

It is recommended to apply during non-peak hours of the early morning or after 8 p.m. for the fastest experience.
It is advised to have all your information typed up ahead of time so you can simply copy and paste it into the online form.
Once you submit the claim, you will receive a confirmation page and number for reference.
Once you have started an application, you may save and return, however, you must complete the application and hit “submit” within 24 hours, or the claim will be deleted and you will need to start over.

Register with MyUI, and wait:

Must register and file for payment, even while waiting for a decision .
You will be sent a PIN to set up and online account where you will check on claim and request payment. You must request payment every two weeks and meet all eligibility requirements, even while you wait for your claim to be processed. Your first request for payment will be on the Sunday immediately following the first two weeks of your claim.

Processing of a claim:

May be asked to provide additional documentation in this phase.
Previous employers will be contacted.
Verification of your information, etc., in order to make a decision.

If approved, you will start to receive payment:

Payment can be made by direct deposit or a prepaid debit card, you will have a choice,
As per the website “ The first payment you may receive is postponed by one week’s worth of payment, called the waiting week. Basically, every claimant who qualifies for unemployment serves an unpaid ‘waiting week’ that begins the first week they become eligible to receive benefits.”

You will need to maintain your eligibility in the following ways:

Request payment every two weeks.
Actively seek work and keep verifiable information about your work-search activities.
Be physically and mentally able to work.
Be willing to accept suitable work.
Be available to begin work immediately if a job is offered.
Tell the truth when requesting benefits.
Report all hours you worked and gross wages you earned each time you request payment. Even if it is one dollar earned or one hour worked, you must report it.

If you are working fewer than 32 hours a week, you may be able to collect benefits, however, you must be actively looking for more work, and must earn less than your weekly benefit amount to receive payment. Remember, "you will need to report your hours worked and gross earnings (pay before any withholdings, e.g., taxes or child support) information for each week when you request payment.”

Job Search:

You must actively be searching for a job and be able to prove it.
You will be given access to several resources to aid in the search at no cost including career counseling and certification program.

Regarding those who are waiting to file under the CARES Act, this is the most recent statement posted on the Colorado Department of Labor website:

Update as of April 12, 2020: We are still programming our systems to begin accepting claims for workers who are eligible for benefits related to the CARES Act, including those who are self-employed (retroactive as far back as February 2 or when your work stopped as a direct result of COVID-19). Programming is also underway for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, which is $600/week additional benefit (retroactive to March 29). Claimants DO NOT need to take action for the additional $600 benefit. Benefits will be retroactive and eligible claimants will not lose benefits while you wait to file a claim.

If you have questions or cannot file online, you can call 303-318-9000 or 1-800-388-5515, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for assistance and information on how to file over the phone or through a mail-in application.

Have you filed an unemployment claim in the last few weeks? We want to know how the process went for you, and if there were any hiccups or major issues you experienced. Please share any tips you have for our readers in the comments.