2026 · Colorado
Colorado unemployment benefits
Colorado pays up to $884 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#6 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Only some states pay a dependent allowance.
An estimate only, your state agency sets your actual benefit. Nothing you enter is stored.
Colorado's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $25 - $884 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (13-26; max $884 eff 2026-07-01 (supersedes $844)) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Colorado? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Colorado
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Colorado's $25-$884 range). Over 26 weeks that's up to $15,002 in total. Colorado has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Questions about Colorado unemployment
How much does Colorado pay in unemployment?
Between $25 and $884 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $884 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#6 of 51).
How long does Colorado unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeks13-26; max $884 eff 2026-07-01 (supersedes $844). That's separate from the weekly amount; low earners may qualify for fewer weeks.
Is Colorado unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Colorado also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Colorado unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Colorado's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment before you file, since it is a real-money decision.
File with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. This is an estimate, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment determines your actual benefit.
Your Colorado layoff toolkit
- Colorado severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Colorado paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Colorado 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Colorado's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.