Blog Post

Did you know that if you have been unable to pay your rent due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency assistance is available? The Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can help renters as far back as April 2020. Help can include past due, current, and two additional months of expected rent costs. After the initial assistance, you can apply for additional assistance, if funds are still available.

As you may know, last week Governor Jared Polis announced Colorado Jumpstart, a new monetary incentive program designed to support unemployed Coloradans as they return to work. Under this program, Colorado unemployment claimants currently receiving either state unemployment benefits or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits may be eligible to receive an incentive payment of $1,200 to $1,600 if they return to work between May 16 and June 26, 2021.

Unfortunately, scammers are continuing to aggressively target Colorado unemployment recipients with scam texts and emails designed to trick you into giving up personal information. 

This is an official communication from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Unemployment Insurance Division. With COVID-19 restrictions easing across much of the state, businesses across Colorado are increasing staffing and providing more opportunities for Coloradans to return to work.

Unfortunately, scammers are continuing to prey on Colorado unemployment recipients by posing as CDLE. Some claimants have reported receiving text messages purporting to be from CDLE directing claimants to log into their account to “activate new features.

As you know, you are required to participate in and complete work search activities each week in order to maintain your eligibility to receive unemployment benefits.

Unfortunately, alongside the surge in unemployment claims over the past year, we’ve also seen a sharp increase in the amount of identity theft, fraudulent activity, and unemployment insurance-related scams. Fraudsters sometimes send emails, text messages, and social media messages posing as CDLE in order to steal personal information such as Social Security numbers, account usernames and passwords, and more. This is called phishing. We have seen dozens of these scams in recent months as criminals become more sophisticated in their tactics. A new ID.me scam has surfaced that we want you to be aware of so you can protect yourself.

We’ve heard your feedback. Many claimants have asked for more frequent communication, so beginning this week, we’ll be delivering at least one update each week with the information you need about Colorado’s unemployment programs. We appreciate your input, as we work to better serve you!

We’ve heard your feedback. Many claimants have asked for more frequent communication, so beginning this week, we’ll be delivering at least one update each week with the information you need about Colorado’s unemployment programs. We appreciate your input, as we work to better serve you!

Coloradans who have received unemployment benefits for at least one week in 2021 can now qualify for $0 and low-cost health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado. Enrollment is open through August 15, but the sooner you apply and enroll, the sooner your coverage will begin.