Unemployment Benefits in Colorado
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Colorado pays up to 26 weeks of benefits with a maximum weekly amount that adjusts annually based on state wages.
How Colorado treats Unemployment Benefits
Colorado's unemployment insurance program provides temporary income to workers who lose jobs without fault. The state calculates the maximum weekly benefit amount each year, currently around $665 per week, based on the state's average weekly wage. Workers must have earned at least $1,500 in the base period and meet work history requirements. Colorado also offers extended benefits during periods of high unemployment.
The general definition of Unemployment Benefits
Temporary income payments to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Unemployment benefits are payments provided by the government to workers who have lost their jobs involuntarily and meet certain eligibility requirements. These benefits are funded by taxes that employers pay into a state unemployment insurance fund. To qualify, a worker typically must have been employed for a minimum period, have lost the job without quitting, and not have been fired for misconduct. Benefits are usually a percentage of the worker's prior wages and last for a limited time, often 26 weeks. Workers must actively search for new employment to continue receiving benefits.
Read the full Unemployment Benefits entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.