Colorado Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your Colorado weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. Colorado pays up to $844 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your Colorado weekly unemployment benefit from your wages. The state agency makes the actual decision based on your full wage record and why your job ended. File your claim with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Division of Unemployment Insurance to get your real amount.
More exact? Enter your highest-paid quarter
Most states base your benefit on your highest-earning quarter of the base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Enter it for a closer estimate; leave blank to use your annual income.
Estimated Weekly Benefit
$500/week
≈ 50% of your weekly wage · Colorado · estimate only
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$13,000
Up to 26 weeks; the maximum total benefit per claim is the lesser of 26 x WBA or one-third of total base-period wages. Not indexed to the unemployment rate.
This is an estimate, not a determination. The state agency calculates your actual benefit from your full base-period wage record, and eligibility also depends on why your job ended and your ongoing work search.
Your weekly benefit is based on your wages in the "base period" (usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), replaced at roughly 50% up to Colorado's $844 maximum. Eligibility also depends on earning enough in the base period and on why your job ended (generally you must be out of work through no fault of your own). This is an estimate, not legal advice or a determination, and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
How Colorado Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
Colorado computes the WBA two ways and pays the HIGHER result: (1) 60% of 1/26 of the two highest consecutive base-period quarters = (sum of two highest consecutive quarters / 26) x 0.60, capped at $767/wk; OR (2) 50% of the average weekly wage = (total base-period wages / 52) / 2, capped at $844/wk. Overall max is $844.
The result is capped at Colorado's $844 maximum and floored at its $25 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Up to 26 weeks; the maximum total benefit per claim is the lesser of 26 x WBA or one-third of total base-period wages. Not indexed to the unemployment rate.
Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Division of Unemployment Insurance.
Who Qualifies in Colorado
To draw benefits you generally must have earned enough during the base period (Standard: first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. Alternate base period (last four completed quarters) available if not eligible under the standard period.), be unemployed through no fault of your own (laid off, not fired for misconduct and generally not quitting without good cause), and be able, available, and actively looking for work. Must have earned at least $2,500 in the base period. Colorado has no waiting week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in Colorado?
Colorado pays roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, from a $25 minimum up to a $844 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in Colorado?
Up to 26 weeks. Up to 26 weeks; the maximum total benefit per claim is the lesser of 26 x WBA or one-third of total base-period wages. Not indexed to the unemployment rate.
How is my Colorado weekly benefit calculated?
Colorado computes the WBA two ways and pays the HIGHER result: (1) 60% of 1/26 of the two highest consecutive base-period quarters = (sum of two highest consecutive quarters / 26) x 0.60, capped at $767/wk; OR (2) 50% of the average weekly wage = (total base-period wages / 52) / 2, capped at $844/wk. Overall max is $844.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Colorado?
$844 per week in 2026. The maximum is set by the state and usually updated each year.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is a free estimate based on Colorado's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Division of Unemployment Insurance from your complete wage record and the reason your job ended. It is not legal advice and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice, a benefit determination, or a guarantee of eligibility. Unemployment formulas and maximums change (often annually); figures are current as of 2026-06-02. Only Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Division of Unemployment Insurance can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.