Can I Draw Unemployment on Colorado & Live in a Different State?
The federal and state governments jointly operate the unemployment insurance program which temporarily provides partial weekly payments to eligible unemployed workers. They must meet state requirements and be unemployed due to circumstances beyond their control such as being unqualified for the job, laid off or victim of a business closure. Unemployment claimants must be ready and available for work and accept any suitable job offer. They also usually are required to register for work at the unemployment office.
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Eligibility for Colorado Unemployment Insurance
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The Colorado Employment Security Act establishes the state's eligibility requirements. It is administered by the Division of Employment and Training within the state's Labor and Employment Department. State law requires unemployment claimants to prove they are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents or otherwise living in the country legally.
They also must have identification such as a valid Colorado driver's license or ID card, U.S. military ID card or military dependent ID, Native American tribal ID, or a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine card. Claimants living outside Colorado must provide proof of a valid state or Canadian driver's license or ID card. This information is provided on Form UIB-1 Claim for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, which is sent to those filing new or additional claims or reopening an existing one.
Calculating Your Weekly Claim Amount
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Unemployment insurance benefits, both weekly amounts and total amount available, are based upon wages paid during the first four completed calendar quarters of the last five from when the claim was filed. This is called the benefit year. The Labor and Employment website features a benefits estimator that projects weekly benefits and total benefits for the current and next three-month period.
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Collecting Benefits In Another State
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Unemployment claimants who leave Colorado temporarily must continue seeking work to maintain eligibility for benefits. They also might have to expand their work search beyond their customary occupation to other jobs for which they are reasonably qualified. People who leave the state temporarily for reasons other than job hunting are considered unavailable for work and thus ineligible for benefits. They have a right to appeal the decision.
Maintaining Eligibility
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Maintaining eligibility for Colorado unemployment insurance requires being available for work, able to work and actively seeking work for each two-week period claimed. Those who worked full-time before becoming unemployed, must be available for full-time work. Job searches must be documented and can be reviewed at any time.
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References
- U.S. Department of Labor: Unemployment Insurance
- Colorado Department of Labor & Employment: File for Unemployment
- Colorado Department of Labor & Employment: Unemployment Claims Benefit Estimator
- Colorado Department of Labor & Employment: Web Library Topic - Eligibility Requirements
- Colorado Department of Labor & Employment: General Unemployment Benefits FAQ
