Colorado Unemployment
Who Oversees Colorado Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) administers unemployment insurance benefits in Colorado. The Division of Unemployment Insurance within CDLE is responsible for processing claims, determining eligibility, and distributing benefits to qualified individuals.
How Can I Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Colorado?
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Colorado, you must meet the following criteria:
- Earnings Requirement: You must have earned at least $2,500 during the base period, which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim. uibestimator.coworkforce.com
- Reason for Unemployment: You must be unemployed through no fault of your own. If you were laid off or your position was eliminated, you typically qualify. If you were fired, you may still qualify unless the termination was due to gross misconduct. If you quit your job, you may qualify if you had good cause, such as domestic violence, personal harassment, hazardous working conditions, or a medical condition. nolo.com
- Ability and Availability to Work: You must be able to work, available to accept suitable employment, and actively seeking work. Maintaining a systematic and sustained effort to find work is essential. nolo.com
How Much Will I Receive in Unemployment Benefits in Colorado?
In Colorado, your weekly benefit amount is determined by two formulas, and you receive the higher of the two:
- First Formula: The total wages from your highest two consecutive quarters in the base period are added together, divided by 26, and then multiplied by 0.6. This amount is capped at $561 per week.
- Second Formula: The total wages from the base period are divided by 52, then divided by 2. This amount is capped at $618 per week.
Benefits are typically available for up to 26 weeks, though extensions may occur during periods of high unemployment. nolo.com
What’s the Process for Applying for Unemployment Benefits in Colorado?
To apply for unemployment benefits in Colorado:
- File a Claim: You can file your claim online through the MyUI portal at www.coloradoui.gov/MyUI, by phone at 303-813-2800 (Denver-metro area) or 1-888-550-2800 (outside Denver-metro area), by fax, or by mail. spl.cde.state.co.us
- Register with a Workforce Center: Before collecting benefits, you must register with a local workforce center. You can register online at www.connectingcolorado.com or visit a local center. spl.cde.state.co.us
- Request Payment: After filing your claim, you must request payment every two weeks. You can do this online through MyUI or by phone. spl.cde.state.co.us
How Can I Manage My Unemployment Benefits in Colorado?
You can manage your unemployment benefits through the MyUI portal at www.coloradoui.gov/MyUI. This portal allows you to check your claim status, request payments, change your address, review and edit your profile, and view your balances. spl.cde.state.co.us
How Can I Appeal a Decision Regarding Colorado Unemployment Benefits?
If your unemployment claim is denied:
- Request an Appeal: You have 20 days from the mailing date on the decision letter to request an appeal. Submit a written request to the Appeals Branch. spl.cde.state.co.us
- Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled where both you and your employer can present evidence. A Hearing Officer will make a decision, and you will receive written notice of the decision.
- Further Appeal: If you disagree with the Hearing Officer’s decision, you can appeal to the Industrial Claim Appeals Office (ICAO) within 20 days. spl.cde.state.co.us
How Can I Report Unemployment Fraud in Colorado?
To report unemployment fraud in Colorado:
- Claimant Fraud: Call 303-318-9035.
- Employer Fraud: Call 303-318-9035.
Fraud can include knowingly submitting false information, continuing to collect benefits when ineligible, or not reporting wages while collecting full benefits. dol.gov
How Can I Speak to a Representative at Colorado Unemployment Customer Service?
You can contact the Colorado Unemployment Customer Service Center at 303-318-9000 (Denver-metro area) or 1-800-388-5515 (outside Denver-metro area). They are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. spl.cde.state.co.us
What Happens if I Was Fired?
If you were fired, you may still qualify for unemployment benefits unless the termination was due to gross misconduct, such as theft or violence. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment will review the circumstances of your termination to determine eligibility. nolo.com
What Happens if I Quit My Job?
If you quit your job, you may qualify for unemployment benefits if you had good cause, such as domestic violence, personal harassment, hazardous working conditions, or a medical condition. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment will assess the reasons for your resignation to determine eligibility. nolo.com
Colorado Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations
| Colorado Unemployment Office | Colorado Unemployment Office Locations | Colorado Unemployment Phone Number |
| Alamosa Unemployment Office | 407 State Avenue Suite CAlamosa, CO 81101 | 719-589-5118 |
| Adams County Workforce Center | 3155 North Chambers Road #CAurora, CO 80011 | 303-375-2980 |
| Aurora Unemployment Office | 15400 E 14th PlaceAurora, CO 80011 | 303-636-2014 |
| Workforce Boulder County | 5755 Central Ave Suite BBoulder, CO 80301 | 303-413-7555 |
| Adams County Workforce Center | 36 S. 18th Avenue, Unit ABrighton, CO 80601 | 720-523-6900 |
| Broomfield Unemployment Office | 100 Spader WayBroomfield, CO 80020 | 303-464-5855 |
| Burlington Unemployment Office | 1457 Martin Ave.Burlington, CO 80807 | 719-346-5331 |
| Pikes Peak Unemployment Office | 328 10th StreetFirst FloorCalhan, CO 80808 | 719-520-7895 |
| Canon City Unemployment Office | 3224B Independence RoadCanon City, CO 81212 | 719-275-7408 |
| Centennial Unemployment Office | 6974 South Lima StreetCentennial, CO 80112 | 303-636-1160 |
| Pikes Peak Unemployment Office | 1675 Garden of the Gods RdSuite 1118Colorado Springs, CO 80907 | 719-667-3700 |
| Colorado Springs Unemployment Office | 1821 South Academy BlvdSand Creek LibraryColorado Springs, CO 80916 | 719-359-7584 |
| Unemployment Office – Cortez | 2208 East Main StreetCortez, CO 81321 | 970-565-3759 |
| Colorado Unemployment Office – Craig | 480 Barclay StreetCraig, CO 81625 | 970-824-3246 |
| Pikes Peak Unemployment Office | 166 East Bennett AvenuePO Box 129Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | 719-667-3700 |
| Colorado Unemployment Office at Delta | 206 Ute AvenueDelta, CO 81416 | 970-874-5781 |
| Denver Westside Unemployment Office | 1200 Federal BoulevardDenver, CO 80204 | 720-930-4331 |
| Denver Unemployment Office | 8500 Pena Blvd5th Level, Main TerminalDenver, CO 80249 | 303-342-2590 |
| Denver Unemployment Office at Montbello | 4685 Peoria StreetSuite 251Denver, CO 80239 | 720-930-4063 |
| Unemployment Office – Durango | 331 South Camino del RioSuite CDurango, CO 81303 | 970-247-0308 |
| Edwards Unemployment Office | 00069 Edwards Access RoadSuite #7; PO Box 1355Edwards, CO 81632 | 970-926-4440 |
| Larimer County Unemployment Office | 200 West Oak StreetSuite 5000Fort Collins, CO 80521 | 970-498-6600 |
| Fort Morgan Unemployment Office | 426 Ensign StFort Morgan, CO 80701 | 970-867-9401 |
| Pikes Peak Unemployment Office | 350 Lyckman DriveFirst FloorFountain, CO 80817 | 719-444-8311 |
| Frisco Unemployment Office | 602 Galena StreetPO Box 679Frisco, CO 80443 | 970-668-5361 |
| Employment Services of Weld County | 2950 9th StreetFt Lupton, CO 80621 | 970-400-5890 |
| Glenwood Springs Unemployment Office | 401 23rd Street, Suite 300Valley Professional BuildingGlenwood Springs, CO 81601 | 970-945-8638 |
| Unemployment Office – Golden | 3500 Illinois StreetGolden, CO 80401 | 303-271-4755 |
| Mesa County Unemployment Office | 512 29 1/2 RoadGrand Junction, CO 81504 | 970-248-0871 |
| Employment Services of Weld County | 315 North 11th Avenue #BGreeley, CO 80632 | 970-353-3800 |
| Unemployment Office at Gunnison | 109 East Georgia AvenueGunnison, CO 81230 | 970-641-0031 |
| Elbert County Unemployment Office | 75 Ute AvenuePO Box 186Kiowa, CO 80117 | 720-639-5859 |
| La Junta Unemployment Office | 308 Santa FeLa Junta, CO 81050 | 719-383-3191 |
| Lamar Unemployment Office | 405 East Olive StreetLamar, CO 81052 | 719-336-2256 |
| Leadville Unemployment Office | 901 S. Hwy 24Room 219Leadville, CO 80461 | 719-486-2428 |
| Limon Unemployment Office | 285 D AvenuePO Box 875Limon, CO 80828-0875 | 719-775-2387 |
| Workforce Boulder County | 515 Coffman StreetSuite 110Longmont, CO 80501 | 720-864-6600 |
| Rio Blanco County Unemployment Office | 345 Market StreetPO Box 68Meeker, CO 81641 | 970-409-7418 |
| Monte Vista Unemployment Office | 2079 Sherman AvenueMonte Vista, CO 81144 | 719-852-5171 |
| Unemployment Office at Montrose | 504 North First StreetMontrose, CO 81401 | 970-249-7783 |
| Pueblo Unemployment Office | 212 West 3rd StreetPueblo, CO 81003 | 719-562-3731 |
| Rifle Unemployment Office | 216 West 3rd StreetRifle, CO 81650 | 970-625-5627 |
| Salida Unemployment Office | 448 East 1st StreetSalida, CO 81201 | 719-530-5980 |
| Steamboat Unemployment Office | 425 Anglers DrivePO Box 881419Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 | 970-879-3075 |
| Sterling Unemployment Office | 100 Broadway Suite 24Sterling, CO 80751 | 970-522-9340 |
| Southeast Central Trinidad Unemployment Office | 140 North Commercial StreetTrinidad, CO 81082 | 719-846-9221 |
| Walsenburg Unemployment Office | 201 E. 5th Street Suite 19Walsenburg, CO 81089 | 719-738-2372 |
| Adams County Workforce – Westminster | 11860 Pecos St Suite 2200Westminster, CO 80234 | 720-523-2400 |
| Unemployment Office – Woodland Park | 218 East Midland AvenueWoodland Park, CO 80866 | 719-687-9281 |
| Yuma Unemployment Office | 529 N Albany Street Suite 1210Yuma, CO 80759 | 970-848-3760 |