Colorado Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your Colorado weekly unemployment benefit. Colorado's maximum is $844/week for up to 26 weeks. Results are estimates — Colorado Department of Labor and Employment makes the official determination.
Estimate My Weekly Benefit
This is an estimate only. Your actual benefit depends on your specific base period wages, employer records, and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's determination. File your claim to get the official amount.
File your Colorado claim at MyUI+ →Colorado unemployment benefits: what you need to know
Colorado has no waiting week and one of the higher maximum weekly benefits in the Mountain West. However, the state requires 5 job search activities per week, one of the highest minimums in the country. Each activity must be logged in the MyUI+ portal during certification.
Colorado pays a maximum of $844/week and a minimum of $25/week. Your amount is set by your base-period earnings, capped at the state maximum.
Up to 26 weeks under standard conditions. At the maximum rate, that is about $21,944 total.
Colorado has no unpaid waiting week. Eligible payments can begin from your first certified week.
5 contacts per week must be documented to stay eligible. Keep a dated log.
Colorado Unemployment FAQ
How much unemployment can I get in Colorado?
In Colorado, the maximum weekly benefit is $844 and the minimum is $25. Your actual weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during your base period (typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters). Use the estimator above to get an approximate figure, then confirm the exact amount with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment after you file.
How long do unemployment benefits last in Colorado?
Colorado provides up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits under standard conditions. If you exhaust regular benefits, ask Colorado Department of Labor and Employment whether any extended programs are currently active.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Colorado?
No. Colorado does not impose an unpaid waiting week — eligible payments can begin from your first certified week. File as soon as possible after your last day of work.
How many job search contacts are required each week in Colorado?
Colorado requires 5 work search contacts per week to remain eligible while collecting benefits. Keep a dated log of each activity (employer name, date, method of contact) in case Colorado Department of Labor and Employment audits your claim.
How do I file an unemployment claim in Colorado?
File with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment online at https://cdle.colorado.gov/unemployment or by phone at 1-800-388-5515. Have your Social Security number, employer information for the last 18 months, reason for separation, and bank details for direct deposit ready. File the same week you lose your job — most states pay from the week you file, not the week your job ended.