What Day of the Week Does Colorado Unemployment Pay?

Unemployment benefits in Colorado provide temporary financial support to eligible individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. These benefits offer a safety net, helping claimants manage their finances while actively seeking new employment opportunities. Understanding the process for receiving these payments is important.

Colorado Unemployment Payment Schedule

Claimants in Colorado must request their unemployment payments on a weekly basis. A claim week typically concludes on a Saturday, and individuals can submit their payment request as early as the following Sunday. Certification must be completed within seven days of the week’s end; failing to do so can result in the claim being closed, requiring it to be reopened. After a payment request is submitted through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) system, funds are generally released in two to three business days.

While the CDLE processes payments, the exact moment funds become available in a claimant’s account can vary. This variation is dependent on the financial institution holding the claimant’s bank account. Banks’ internal procedures dictate when the money appears as available balance. Initial claims for unemployment benefits undergo an extensive review process, which can take four to six weeks before the first payment is issued. An unpaid waiting week is also required after eligibility is determined before benefits commence.

Receiving Your Unemployment Benefits

Claimants have two options for receiving their unemployment benefits: direct deposit or a prepaid debit card. Direct deposit allows funds to be electronically transferred into a checking or savings account. To set this up, claimants provide their bank’s routing number and account number through the CDLE’s online portal, MyUI+. Some non-traditional banks may not be compatible with the system’s verification process, potentially requiring an alternative payment method.

The second option is a U.S. Bank ReliaCard, which is a prepaid debit card. If direct deposit is not selected or cannot be verified, the ReliaCard is issued automatically. Funds are loaded onto this card once payments are processed by the CDLE. Claimants can change their preferred payment method by logging into their MyUI+ account and updating their payment information.

Addressing Payment Delays

Several factors can contribute to delays in receiving unemployment benefit payments. Initial claim processing often takes four to six weeks as the CDLE verifies eligibility and wage information. Errors or missing information during the weekly certification process, such as requesting payment too early or late, can cause interruptions. Issues related to identity verification, which may require additional documentation, are a common reason for holds on payments.

Disputes from a former employer regarding the reason for separation, or questions about severance pay, can lead to investigations that delay benefit disbursement. Fraud holds, sometimes triggered by automated security checks, can temporarily prevent payments from being released. Claimants should regularly check their payment status through the MyUI+ online portal, which provides a claim status tracker and payment history. This allows individuals to see if a payment has been processed or if there are any outstanding issues.

If payments are delayed and the online portal does not provide clear reasons, claimants can contact the CDLE for assistance. The claimant services center can be reached by phone, with representatives available during business hours to address inquiries. For specific issues related to fraud or overpayments, dedicated phone lines are available to provide specialized support.