About This Guide
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) helps people who have lost their jobs by providing temporary wage replacement through Unemployment Insurance benefits. Unemployment benefits are funded by employers and may be paid to any worker who has lost a job through no fault of their own and meets the eligibility requirements set forth by the law. Unemployment Insurance helps workers pay their bills and contributes to the economic stability of the state.
The initial processing time for a claim usually takes four to six weeks, though complicated claims may take longer. If it is determined that you qualify to receive payment, you are paid every week. The first payment you may receive is postponed by one week’s worth of payment, called the waiting week.
You should apply for unemployment insurance benefits right after you have completed your last day of work. Please file your claim as soon as possible to avoid delays in the processing of your claim and any potential payment you may receive.
This online guide provides important information about Colorado Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits. If you have questions, please contact us for help.
We Are Here To Help You
CDLE is here to assist you through your time of unemployment.
To make sure you are paid benefits in a timely manner, please:
- Provide accurate information
- Respond to requests for information quickly and accurately
- Complete all requirements to maintain UI eligibility, as outlined in this online guide
- Keep your contact information up-to-date
Language Assistance
IMPORTANT: It is critical that you understand your unemployment insurance compensation rights, responsibilities and/or benefits.
If you need assistance in understanding the information in this guide, or you need interpretation services, call 303-318-9000 or 1-800-388-5515 (outside the Denver metro area).
It is against the law to discriminate against any individual in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief; and it is against the law to discriminate against any beneficiary of programs financially assisted under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), on the basis of the beneficiary’s citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or on the basis of his or her participation in any WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity.
Contact Us
If you have questions, please contact us for help.
Main Unemployment Customer Service Line
- Denver Metro: 303-318-9000 | Toll-Free: 1-800-388-5515
- Spanish: 303-318-9333 | Spanish Toll-Free: 1-866-422-0402
File a Claims/Payment Request Hotline (303-536-5615)
- This queue can only assist with:
- File/reopen a new claim
- Requesting a weekly payment
- Report a new job separation
Automated Payment Request Line
- 303-813-2800 | Toll-Free: 1-888-550-2800
Sharing Your Information
We check with a number of sources, including government programs and identity-proofing services, to make sure your information is correct. This includes your name, social security number, your employer's name and address, and wages. Through this process we may share your information with other government agencies if the law allows. We also will ask you to verify your identity through a third-party identity verification program. You must complete your identity verification before you can receive benefits.