Resources for Federal Workers

You can still file for unemployment. The reason for your separation and other factors will help determine if you are eligible for benefits. You will have a chance to upload copies of any letters you received or agreements you signed in your claim submission.

You can still file for unemployment. If you disagree with the reason you are let go, you should describe this in your application. You can also upload your positive reviews in your application. We will look at all the information from you and your employer during our fact-finding period.

Ideally it helps if you have your SF-8 and SF-50 when you file. However, we understand that there may be a delay to obtain these documents. If you need to submit this documentation after you file, please fax these to 303-318-9014. 

If you are reinstated to work, you should report during your weekly certification that you have gone back to work in the week you actually go back to work. For example, you got an offer to go back to work on 3/2/2025, but you don’t start until 3/20/2025. In this case, you should continue to file for UI in the meantime, and then you will report your employment and working hours when you file for the week of 3/16/2025-3/22/2025.

If you are reinstated to work, you should report during your weekly certification that you have gone back to work (in the week you actually go back to work). Then you can stop filing your weekly certification and your claim will be moved to an inactive status. If you receive back pay for the time you were unemployed, you may have to pay back the unemployment benefits you received during that same time period. If you are once again laid off, you can log into your MyUI+ account and reopen the claim. 

When you receive unemployment benefits, you must be ready, able, and available to accept any suitable work. If you receive a job offer, you must report that offer when you complete your weekly certifications. If CDLE determines that you refused suitable work, you will no longer be eligible for unemployment benefits. You may also be penalized if you continue to request and accept unemployment benefits after refusing suitable employment.

You can still file for unemployment even if you were fired “for cause” or believe you were fired illegally. CDLE has an extensive process for getting information about your claim. When you file, you can upload documents related to your claim, including performance reviews and other documents that support your argument. We recommend attaching documents such as these when you first submit your claim to ensure they are considered in your decision. If you do not submit these documents initially, you will have a chance to submit them in response to any issues set on your claim. Please follow the directions listed on the issue correspondence to submit your documents. 

You must provide information about any money you receive while receiving unemployment benefits. CDLE processes your weekly certifications and will determine whether there should be a delay of payment or no payment or how your specific claim should be handled.

If you receive back pay from your employer for the time period you were unemployed and also received UI benefits during that time, you may have an overpayment and will need to pay that back. You need to report any back pay you receive to the UI Division. Please call the Benefit Payment Control team at 303-318-9035. Please tell the virtual agent that you would like “to speak to an agent about your overpayment.”

An overpayment occurs when the UI division determines that a claimant is not entitled to the benefits they received. This could be due to an error in reported earnings, appeals decisions, or fraud. A claimant could also have an overpayment because they receive back pay for a period of time they were unemployed and collected unemployment benefits. 

If you have an overpayment on your account, you must pay back any money you owe. All claimants with overpayments are offered payment plans. You will receive a Notice of Overpayment of Benefits if you have an overpayment. This notice will inform you of the number of weeks overpaid, the amount you owe, and the reasons for overpayment. The letter also details payment methods and options available to you.

You should gather proof of your wages, figure out which state to file your claim in (duty station), and—if you are let go—request your SF-8 and SF-50. You should also gather your performance reviews, in case you need to submit them as proof of your performance.

Every UI claim is unique and we look at all the circumstances of your separation. You should have received a determination that explained why you were found ineligible. If you disagree with that decision, you may file an appeal by the deadline listed on your determination. You may need to file multiple appeals if your claim is found ineligible for multiple reasons.