Unemployment Benefits Estimator — Colorado

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in Colorado

Colorado runs two formulas and pays the better result: 60% of 1/26 of your two highest consecutive quarters, capped at half the state average weekly wage, or 50% of 1/52 of base-period earnings, capped at 55% of it. CDLE describes the outcome as roughly 55% of your average weekly wage. Your total entitlement is the lesser of a third of base-period wages or 26 weekly payments, which is why the payable range runs 13 to 26 weeks. One unpaid waiting week applies before benefits begin. Colorado's SNAP program uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% FPL if you need food assistance alongside a claim. Apply at https://cdle.colorado.gov/unemployment

Unemployment Benefits in Colorado: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

Colorado pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $25 and $884. Those are the statutory floor and ceiling, not an estimate of what you personally would receive: your weekly benefit amount is calculated from the wages in your base period, and the maximum is reached only if those wages were high enough. Colorado computes it this way — The higher of (1) 60% of 1/26 of your two highest consecutive quarters, capped at 50% of the state average weekly wage, or (2) 50% of 1/52 of base-period earnings, capped at 55% of the state average weekly wage. CDLE summarizes this as roughly 55% of your average weekly wage.

• Weekly benefit range: $25 to $884
• Weeks payable: up to 26 weeks; the payable range runs 13 to 26 weeks, because lower base-period earnings exhaust a claim sooner
• Waiting week: yes — the first otherwise-payable week is unpaid, and you generally still have to file a weekly claim for it
• In effect since: July 1, 2026

How Colorado decides how many weeks you get: Maximum benefit is the lesser of 1/3 of base-period wages or 26 times the weekly benefit amount, so DOL lists 13-26 weeks payable.

Source and date: these Colorado figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Unemployment FAQs (maximum benefit amount); formula from DOL Comparison of State UI Laws (2023) Table 3-5; duration and minimum from DOL Significant Provisions, January 2026, and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since July 1, 2026. Benefit amounts and durations change — many states re-index once a year, and some change duration as the state unemployment rate moves — so check the agency link before relying on a figure. Only your monetary determination letter states your own weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can actually be paid.

SNAP Benefits in Colorado

Colorado uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), with a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in Colorado is $975. You can apply online at https://cdhs.colorado.gov/snap or by calling 1-800-536-5298.

Medicaid in Colorado

Colorado has expanded Medicaid under the ACA (Health First Colorado). Adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) are eligible. Apply at https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/.

Colorado Wage Information

The minimum wage in Colorado is $15.16/hour ($11.4/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $89,302. Colorado has a state income tax with a top rate of 4.4%.

Tenant Rights in Colorado

Colorado requires landlords to give 3 days notice for nonpayment of rent before filing for eviction. The typical eviction process takes approximately 30 days. Free legal aid is available at https://coloradolegalservices.org.

Rent in Colorado

The median rent in Colorado is approximately $1,173/month for a 1-bedroom and $1,521/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Colorado does not have rent control.

Important Notes for Colorado Residents

The data shown above is based on publicly available information and is updated regularly. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and legal requirements can change. Always verify current information with your local Colorado agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.