Colorado Unemployment Benefits (2026): Weekly Amount, Duration & Calculator
As of January 1, 2026, unemployment benefits in Colorado range from $25 to $767 per week, payable for 13–26 weeks. Your weekly benefit amount is the higher of: 60% of 1/26 of your two consecutive highest quarters (capped at 50% of the state average weekly wage), or 50% of 1/52 of base-period earnings (capped at 55% of the state average weekly wage).
Maximum benefit uses the higher of two formulas, capped at $767 (high-quarter method) or $844 (annual method).
Estimate your weekly benefit
Estimate treats your two highest quarters as consecutive.
How Colorado calculates your benefit
Weekly benefit amount: The higher of: 60% of 1/26 of your two consecutive highest quarters (capped at 50% of the state average weekly wage), or 50% of 1/52 of base-period earnings (capped at 55% of the state average weekly wage).
To qualify (earnings requirement): 40 × your WBA or $2,500, whichever is greater. You must also be unemployed through no fault of your own, and be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work.
Total benefits on the claim: The lesser of ⅓ of base-period wages or 26 × WBA.
Working part-time: the Colorado partial-benefit rule
If you work reduced hours, Colorado disregards part of your earnings before reducing your check: Half of your weekly benefit amount. Use the calculator to see what a part-time week would pay.
How Colorado compares
Colorado's $767 maximum ranks #9 of 53 U.S. jurisdictions. The highest maximums nationally:
- Washington — up to $1,152/week
- Massachusetts — up to $1,105/week
- New Jersey — up to $905/week
- Oregon — up to $872/week
- New York — up to $869/week
See the full state-by-state table.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Colorado?
The maximum weekly benefit amount in Colorado is $767 as of January 1, 2026, payable for 13–26 weeks.
How is the weekly benefit calculated in Colorado?
The higher of: 60% of 1/26 of your two consecutive highest quarters (capped at 50% of the state average weekly wage), or 50% of 1/52 of base-period earnings (capped at 55% of the state average weekly wage). The result is capped between $25 and $767 per week.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in Colorado?
Yes, if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount and remain otherwise eligible. Colorado disregards the following before reducing your check: Half of your weekly benefit amount.
Does severance affect unemployment in Colorado?
It depends on how the severance is characterized and paid. Some states delay or reduce benefits during weeks covered by severance or wages in lieu of notice; others do not. Report any severance when you file and let the agency make the determination — see our severance guide for how this generally works.
How long do unemployment benefits last in Colorado?
Between 13 and 26 weeks of regular benefits, depending on your earnings history and the state unemployment rate.