Colorado Unemployment Benefits Calculator 2025

Colorado pays up to $809 per week in unemployment benefits. Your weekly amount equals 55% of your average weekly wages. You must earn at least $2,500 during your base period to qualify. Most people receive benefits for 26 weeks maximum.

You need at least $2,500 in total wages during your base period. Your base period covers the first four quarters of your last five completed quarters. Colorado reviews these wages to determine your benefit amount. Higher wages mean higher weekly benefits up to the $809 maximum.

Colorado unemployment applicants currently face delays with the state's complex system. Most claims process within 2-3 weeks after filing. You should file your claim immediately after losing your job. Delays often happen when additional information is needed.

Yes, you can work part-time and receive partial benefits. You must work fewer than 32 hours per week and earn less than your weekly benefit amount. Colorado reduces your benefits dollar-for-dollar for earnings above a small allowance. Report all earnings when filing weekly claims.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable by both federal and state governments. You can choose automatic tax withholding from your payments. Colorado sends you Form 1099-G by January showing your total benefits and taxes withheld. You can change your tax election once during your claim.

You typically cannot get benefits if you quit voluntarily. You must be unemployed through no fault of your own to qualify. Colorado may approve benefits if you quit for good cause. Examples include unsafe working conditions or significant changes to your job terms.

You must file weekly claims online through Colorado's system. File your claim every week even if you haven't received your first payment. You report any work performed and wages earned. Missing weekly claims can delay or stop your benefits.

Federal workers fired for "performance" can receive Colorado unemployment benefits if they meet state requirements. You must have worked in Colorado or lived here while working federally. The federal government, not Colorado employers, pays for these benefits. Standard eligibility rules still apply.

Colorado provides up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. Extended benefits may be available during high unemployment periods based on economic triggers. Your total benefits cannot exceed one-third of your base period wages. Most people exhaust benefits after six months.

Many Colorado residents experience delays and difficulty reaching the Department of Labor and Employment. Common delay causes include missing documentation and identity verification issues. The state's computer system sometimes creates processing bottlenecks. Call 303-318-9000 for claim status updates.

Yes, you must be able, available, and actively seeking work. Colorado requires work search activities each week you claim benefits. You must document your job search efforts. Failure to search for work can result in benefit denial.

Colorado calculates benefits using your highest-earning quarter during the base period. Your weekly benefit equals 55% of your average weekly wage. The minimum weekly benefit is $25 and maximum is $809. Total benefits cannot exceed 26 times your weekly amount.