For Immediate Release
Date: July 29, 2021
Contact: Office of Government, Policy and Public Relations
Email: cdle_pr@state.co.us
Colorado sees the lowest number of regular initial unemployment claims filed since the start of the pandemic
(DENVER) — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) reported 3,317 regular initial unemployment claims were filed the week ending July 24th — the lowest number of initial claims filed in a single week since the start of the pandemic. There were also 1,119 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims filed for the same week.
“We are thrilled to see the number of weekly initial claims filed back on a downward trajectory and nearing our pre-pandemic levels,” said CDLE Executive Director Joe Barela. “As Colorado’s economy begins to rebound, we’re focused now on connecting Coloradans to available work opportunities before the federally funded pandemic benefits end in the coming weeks.”
CDLE is preparing to transition back to administering its regular state unemployment benefits in early September. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, the last payable week for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefits is the week ending Saturday, September 4, 2021. Coloradans currently receiving these benefits will not be able to request payment from these programs after that date.
As of July 17, 2021, there are approximately 98,000 Coloradans receiving continued PUA and PEUC benefits. These claimants would stop receiving these payments after September 4th should they still be unemployed at that time. An additional 36,000 Coloradans currently receiving the $300 weekly FPUC payment on top of their regular unemployment payment will lose the $300 supplement after September 4th. Regular state unemployment benefit payments will continue for everyone who still has an available balance on their standard UI claim.
Colorado remains committed to participating in the federal pandemic unemployment benefit programs as long as the federal funds are available to eligible unemployed workers in our state. With September fast approaching, CDLE is increasing its outreach efforts to claimants who will see these benefits end at the end of the summer.
With targeted emails, social media posts and the use of both traditional and digital media, the department is focused on connecting unemployed workers with career counseling, job search assistance, training opportunities and more. CDLE and its Workforce Center partners hold regular, no-cost training that can help unemployed Coloradans get rehired. A complete list of upcoming events is available on the CDLE website, and there are more than 111,173 job postings currently listed on ConnectingColorado.com, the state’s jobs database.
Additional Resources:
End of Federal Pandemic Benefits
CDLE.colorado.gov
ConnectingColorado.com
Colorado Unemployment Insurance Charts Through Week Ending July 24, 2021