Chapter 21 - § 21.2 • BEGINNING THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS CLAIM PROCESS

• Jurisdiction: Colorado

§ 21.2 • BEGINNING THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS CLAIM PROCESS

The claim process starts when a claimant applies for UI benefits with the Division. The claimant may file an initial claim online via the Internet (www.coworkforce.com), by telephone, by mail, or in person at one of the Division's offices.

A claim is valid for a 52-week period called a benefit year, absent any federal or state benefit extensions that may be granted in difficult economic times. This is the time frame during which a claimant may collect the maximum amount of benefits payable on a claim. A claimant's benefits may be exhausted before the benefit year expires.

After a claimant files for UI benefits, the Division then mails form UIB-290 to all employers for whom the claimant worked during the base period through the latest job separation. This Division form is called "Request for Facts About a Former Employee's Employment."

The base period is defined as the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters preceding the date the claimant filed the initial claim for benefits. An alternate base period is available to some claimants who have a limited work history. C.R.S. § 8-73-103(1.5). The form notifies each employer that its former employee has filed a claim for UI benefits. The form also provides the employer with the opportunity to state the reasons for the claimant's separation from employment.

Practice Pointer
The reason(s) for the separation(s) from the claimant's last employer and/or the base period employer(s) might impact the amount of benefits received. Accordingly, if a

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