Unfortunately, some Colorado residents may be denied unemployment if they are unable to fulfill all of the requirements to receive and maintain unemployment benefits. Not only must applicants submit all of the required documentation, but they must also prove they were a victim of wrongful termination and show they are willing and able to seek out new employment.

If any one of these factors is unmet or doesn’t fall under Colorado’s requirements, then the applicant will be denied unemployment benefits. However, applicants who have had their unemployment benefits denied have the right to file an unemployment denial appeal.

We have compiled helpful information, hints, and tips about appealing an unemployment benefits denial in Colorado on this website and FAQs and our free guide.

Learn more about this process in Colorado by reading below, checking out our Colorado FAQs, and reading our free guide.

Reasons for Denied Unemployment in Colorado

In the state of Colorado, unemployment benefits were established to deliver temporary assistance and provide economic stability to unemployed residents who are currently seeking new employment. To receive unemployment benefits in Colorado, residents must meet a list of qualifications, and those who do not fall under these requirements will be denied unemployment.

Among these qualifications is the requirement that the applicant was a victim of wrongful termination or was terminated due to no fault of their own. The reason for an applicant’s termination from employment will be assessed to determine whether or not the applicant will have their unemployment benefits denied.

Some of the reasons for termination that may cause an applicant to be denied unemployment benefits include:

• Willful or blatant disregard for an employer’s interest.
• Being terminated due to repeated misconduct going against workplace rules and standards.
• Being unable to perform work duties due to drug and/or alcohol use during work hours.
• Theft or property damage exceeding a value of $25

Once an applicant has filed their unemployment claim in Colorado, his or her former employer will be notified and asked to submit a written or verbal testimony confirming the reason for the applicant’s termination. It is the responsibility of the employer to prove that the applicant was not a victim of wrongful termination.

In the event that the employer can prove that the applicant was directly responsible for their termination, then that applicant will have their unemployment benefits denied. If for some reason the applicant or the former employer disagrees with the final outcome of the unemployment claim, then either party reserves the right to file an unemployment denial appeal, which will be discussed further in the section below.

It is important that all documents submitted with an unemployment benefits application are honest and correct. Failure to provide truthful and correct information could result in you having your unemployment compensation denied and can even cause you to face fraud charges.

What To Do If You Have Your Unemployment Compensation Benefits Denied in Colorado

In the event that you have your unemployment benefits denied in Colorado, you still hold the right to file an unemployment denial appeal. In order to begin your unemployment denial appeal, you must contact the Colorado Unemployment department through their website, phone, fax, or email and request a hearing.

Once your request for an unemployment denial appeal has been received, you will be given a date and time for when your hearing will take place. It is important that you file your unemployment denial appeal within 15 calendar days of receiving notification of your denied unemployment benefits.

If you do not receive your confirmation for the appeal within 10 days, then you should contact the Colorado appeals department to inquire about your hearing.

Once you have received confirmation for your unemployment denial appeal hearing, it is important to understand what will take place during this hearing. The appeal hearing gives you an opportunity to have your testimony, documents, and former employer statements re-reviewed.

During the appeal, a referee will review your case and decide whether or not you will be denied unemployment. The reason for your initial unemployment benefits denial will not be considered during the appeal hearing, and if you are denied unemployment a second time, you have the right to file a second unemployment denial appeal.

Last Updated: February 28, 2023