Neal Caffrey

Calculators

Colorado

Colorado Unemployment Calculator: WBA, Eligibility & Duration

Colorado Unemployment Calculator

Your base period is determined by the date your claim begins.

Your Estimated Benefits

Base Period Used
Estimated Weekly Benefit
Estimated Maximum Benefit Amount
Estimated Duration
This is an estimate based on the information provided. Your actual benefits are determined by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment after you file a claim. The maximum weekly benefit amount is subject to change annually.

What Is the Colorado Unemployment Calculator?

The Colorado Unemployment Calculator is a free online tool that estimates your unemployment benefits based on:

  • Your claim start date
  • Your wages in the last four quarters (three-month periods)

It uses the rules set by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to figure out if you qualify, how much you may receive each week, and for how long.

Important: The calculator provides an estimate only. Your actual benefits are determined after you officially file a claim with CDLE.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator follows Colorado’s official unemployment benefit formula. Here’s the process in plain English:

  1. Enter your claim date.
    The date you file sets your base period — the timeframe used to review your past wages.
  2. Enter your wages by quarter.
    Each quarter covers 3 months. The calculator automatically updates the date ranges for clarity.
  3. Check eligibility.
    To qualify, you must have earned at least $2,500 during your base period.
  4. Calculate Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA).
    Your WBA is based on your highest-earning quarter and your total wages:
    • 60% of your average weekly wage in your highest quarter, OR
    • 50% of your average weekly wage across all wages.
      The calculator uses whichever is higher.
  5. Apply Colorado’s limits.
    • The maximum weekly benefit amount is $781 (as of 2024).
    • Benefits generally last up to 26 weeks, but never more than one-third of your total wages.
  6. Display your results.
    You’ll see:
    • Which base period was used (standard or alternate)
    • Your estimated weekly benefit
    • Your maximum benefit amount
    • Your estimated duration of benefits

Why Base Periods Matter

Colorado uses two possible base periods to calculate eligibility:

  • Standard Base Period: The first four of the last five completed quarters before your claim date.
  • Alternate Base Period: If you don’t qualify under the standard period, wages from the most recent four quarters are considered.

This ensures more workers can qualify, even if their work history is recent or irregular.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you earned the following wages:

  • Quarter 1: $8,000
  • Quarter 2: $8,500
  • Quarter 3: $8,200
  • Quarter 4: $8,800

Total wages: $33,500

  • Your highest quarter is $8,800.
  • Average weekly wage in that quarter: $8,800 ÷ 13 = $676.
  • 60% of that = $406.
  • Average weekly wage across all wages: $33,500 ÷ 52 = $644.
  • 50% of that = $322.

The calculator picks the higher amount ($406), rounds up, and checks against the maximum cap. Your estimated weekly benefit is $406.

Key Things to Know

  • Minimum requirement: At least $2,500 total wages in your base period.
  • Maximum weekly benefit: $781 (changes annually).
  • Duration: Usually up to 26 weeks, but depends on your earnings.
  • Taxes: Unemployment benefits are taxable income.
  • Accuracy: Your actual benefit may differ if CDLE finds different wages reported by your employer.

Why Use the Calculator?

The Colorado Unemployment Calculator gives you a clear, fast, and personalized estimate. This helps you:

  • Plan your budget while searching for new work
  • Understand if you meet the minimum eligibility rules
  • Avoid surprises when filing your official claim