How to Request a Payment from Colorado Unemployment
How to request a payment from Colorado unemployment
Colorado Unemployment Insurance (UI) payments are not automatic after you file your claim. You must request payment each week by filing a weekly claim, even if your claim was approved. The state calls this a weekly claim certification. You file it online through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) website, by phone, or by mail — and you must do it by the deadline each week or you will not receive that week's payment.
The weekly deadline depends on which day of the week you were born. CDLE assigns you a filing day between Sunday and Saturday, and you have until 11:59 p.m. on that day to file. If you miss your deadline, you can file a late claim up to two weeks after your assigned day, but you will lose the payment for that week. The system is designed to verify that you remain unemployed and meet the other requirements each week.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a weekly claim every week to receive a payment, even after your initial claim is approved.
- CDLE assigns you a specific filing day based on your birth date, and you have until 11:59 p.m. that day to file online, by phone, or by mail.
- Missing your deadline means you lose that week's payment, though you can file up to two weeks late if you have a valid reason.
- Your weekly claim asks whether you worked, earned money, or refused any job offers — answer honestly because false answers can result in overpayment and fraud charges.
- Payments are deposited to your debit card or bank account, usually within two to three business days after you file.
Filing your weekly claim online
The fastest way to file is through the CDLE website at cdle.colorado.gov. Log in with your username and password (the same ones you used to file your initial claim). Click "File Weekly Claim" and answer the questions about your work status that week. You will be asked whether you worked, how much you earned if you did, whether you looked for work, and whether you refused any job offers.
The entire process takes about five minutes. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen — write it down or take a screenshot. CDLE will send you an email confirmation as well. Your payment will be processed within two to three business days and deposited to the debit card or bank account you listed when you filed your initial claim.
If you forget your login information, use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on the CDLE homepage. You will need your Social Security number and the email address you registered with. Password resets are instant.
Filing by phone if you cannot use the website
You can file your weekly claim by calling the CDLE Unemployment Insurance Claims Line at 303-318-8000. Have your claim number ready (it appears on your approval letter and in your online account). The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Wait times are longest on Mondays and Tuesdays.
When you call, a representative will ask you the same questions as the online form: whether you worked, earned money, looked for work, or refused any job offers. They will give you a confirmation number over the phone. Write it down. Your payment will process the same way as an online filing.
Filing by mail for those without phone or internet access
If you cannot file online or by phone, you can request a paper claim form by calling 303-318-8000 and asking for it to be mailed to you. Fill it out by hand, sign it, and mail it to the address CDLE provides. Your form must arrive by your assigned filing deadline or you will lose that week's payment.
Mail filing is the slowest option because of postal delays. If you use this method, mail your form at least one week before your deadline to give it time to arrive. Keep a copy for your records.
What happens if you miss your filing deadline
If you do not file by 11:59 p.m. on your assigned day, you will not receive a payment for that week. You can file a late claim up to two weeks after your deadline, but only if you have a valid reason — illness, family emergency, or a technical problem with the website, for example. CDLE will ask you to explain why you filed late.
If CDLE accepts your late claim, you will receive the payment you missed, but it will be delayed. If they deny it, you lose that week's payment permanently. Do not count on being able to file late. The safest approach is to file on your assigned day, every week.
How your payment amount is calculated
Your weekly payment is based on your weekly benefit amount, which CDLE calculated when they approved your claim. This amount is usually about 50 to 55 percent of your average weekly wage before you lost your job, up to a maximum amount that changes each year. Colorado's maximum weekly benefit amount is set by state law and varies.
If you worked during the week and earned money, your payment is reduced. Colorado allows you to earn up to 25 percent of your weekly benefit amount without losing any payment. If you earn more than that, your payment is reduced dollar-for-dollar for every dollar you earn above the threshold. Report all earnings honestly on your weekly claim, even if you think they will not affect your payment.
Payments are deposited, not mailed as checks
Colorado no longer mails unemployment checks. All payments are deposited to a debit card or bank account. When you filed your initial claim, you chose which method. If you chose the debit card, CDLE mails you a card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days of your claim approval. You activate it by calling the number on the back.
If you chose direct deposit to your bank account, payments go there automatically. Deposits usually arrive within two to three business days after you file your weekly claim. You can check the status of your payment in your online account at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I worked part of the week — do I still get paid?
Yes, if your earnings that week are below a certain threshold. Colorado allows you to earn up to 25 percent of your weekly benefit amount without losing any payment. Report your actual earnings on your weekly claim, and CDLE will calculate your payment. If you earned more than the threshold, your payment is reduced, but you may still receive something.
Can I file my weekly claim early, before my assigned day?
No. CDLE's system will not accept a weekly claim before your assigned filing day. You must wait until your day arrives. You can file anytime on your assigned day up until 11:59 p.m., so you have the full day to do it.
What if I refuse a job offer — will I lose my benefits?
You must report any job offer you refuse on your weekly claim. CDLE will contact you to ask why you refused it. If the job was suitable and you refused it without good cause, you may lose your benefits. Good cause includes unsafe working conditions, pay far below your usual wage, or a job that conflicts with a medical restriction.
How do I know what my assigned filing day is?
Your filing day is listed in your online account under "My Account" or "Claim Details." It is also printed on your approval letter. If you cannot find it, call 303-318-8000 and provide your claim number.
What if my debit card is lost or stolen?
Call the number on the back of your card immediately to report it. CDLE can issue a replacement card, which takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. If you need money before then, ask about a replacement card with expedited delivery, or request a direct deposit to your bank account instead.