Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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Individuals seeking to claim unemployment benefits in Colorado may have questions regarding their unemployment benefits claim. Most applicants want to know how to claim unemployment benefits, how long they will be able to continue claiming benefits for unemployment and how much aid they will be able to receive. Factors such as eligibility requirements, reason for unemployment, and unemployment benefits extensions are taken into consideration when calculating an applicant’s benefits.

We have compiled helpful information, hints, and tips about claiming unemployment benefits in Colorado on this website and FAQs and our free guide. Learn more about unemployment benefits in Colorado by reading below, checking out our Colorado FAQs, and reading our free guide.

Learn About Unemployment Benefits in Colorado

Colorado residents hoping to claim unemployment benefits should have a basic understanding of the state’s eligibility requirements. Most of the requirements to claim unemployment benefits involve determining whether or not an applicant is willing and able to seek out full- or part-time employment.

Applicants seeking federal unemployment benefits must have become unemployed due to no fault of their own. During the UI application process, the applicant’s former employer will be notified and asked to submit a written or verbal testimony confirming the reason why the applicant was terminated.

In the event that either the applicant or the employer does not agree with the final result of the unemployment benefits claim, they both have the right to file an unemployment denial appeal.

Keep in mind that the following reasons for unemployment would prevent the applicant from claiming benefits for unemployment in Colorado:

  • Willful or blatant disregard for your employer’s interest
  • Being terminated due to repeated misconduct or 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 $2

In addition to the above requirements, an applicant must pass a second series of qualifications concerning their ability to work to be able to claim unemployment benefits. The additional unemployment eligibility requirements stipulate that the applicant:

  • Must be physically and mentally able to pursue work at the time of filing their claim.
  • Must be actively seeking out employment and keeping an adequate record of all applications submitted.
  • Must continue active involvement in any employment programs assigned to them by the state of Colorado.

If an applicant fails to meet these eligibility requirements while he or she is claiming benefits for unemployment, then he or she risks getting their benefits denied or terminated. In some cases, there are exceptions in which an applicant may still qualify for federal unemployment benefits in Colorado despite not falling under the listed qualifications.

Exceptions may be considered if the applicant has to voluntarily leave their job as a direct result of sexual harassment, illegal withholding of wages, unsafe work conditions or excessive verbal, physical or mental abuse. If an applicant’s situation falls under any of these categories, they may still be eligible to claim unemployment benefits.

Learn About Filing a Claim in Colorado

Unemployment beneficiaries must meet these qualifications for the initial unemployment benefits claim and the entire time they claim benefits in Colorado. The most important qualification is searching for a new job. 

Throughout the unemployment benefits claim period, the applicant will frequently be asked to prove that they have taken the necessary measures to find new employment. To avoid any interruption of unemployment benefits claim, beneficiaries should keep a record of the names, email addresses, and positions for each application you submit. 

How Long Your May Receive Benefits in Colorado

If you follow the requirements, your federal unemployment benefits can last up to 26 weeks. Otherwise, you may have your unemployment benefits denied or terminated before this period. Under certain situations, you may be able to apply for an unemployment benefits extension if available.

Learn About Colorado Unemployment Benefits

The amount of money you earned during your base period determines the amount you can receive. In Colorado, your unemployment benefits claim will be higher of either:

  • 60 percent of 1/26th of the wages you earned in the two highest-paid consecutive quarters of your base period.
  • 50 percent of 1/52nd of your wages in the entire base period.

However, the unemployment benefit maximum of $742 per week, so you cannot receive more than this amount regardless of your earnings. 

Last Updated: February 28, 2023