- For those let go in Colorado on 10/30, you can sign up now (or any time after the 1/5/2024 termination date). Please read through the steps below before jumping onto the web site.
- Filing for Colorado unemployment benefits is handled entirely online using an application named “MyUI+”. This application will create your “Claimant Id” (if you do not have one already from a prior RIF) and help you complete your online “Unemployment Claim” application.
- The MyUI+ application is accessible from “ https://cdle.colorado.gov/unemployment” using the menu option “Unemployment” and the dropdown menu option “File a Claim”.
- For first-timer users of MyUI+, setting up the Claimant ID and initial Claim takes about 45 minutes by asking the SSN, name, address, e-mail, phone, preferences, pay info, etc. Important: Sign-out of the first-time application BEFORE proceeding with Identity Verification. This will set-up a two-factor, sign-in authentication method for future Claimant-ID sign-ins.
- Identify Verification of your Claimant ID is required in most cases due to high levels of Unemployment Insurance fraud. There are two methods of Identity Verification used by Colorado MyUI+: 1) TrueID (formerly IDMe) which uses a smart phone to take pictures of your Colorado Driver’s License along with a Selfie to match your DL photo, or, 2) a visit to you local Post Office with your Colorado DL and a printed or e-mailed bar code which is presented to the postal clerk.
- Sign-in to MyUI+ and select the “Complete Identity Verification”. Important: Make sure your sign-on from your smartphone if you choose to use TrueID, or use your PC OR smartphone if you selected US Post Office – In Person verification.
- Complete the Identity Verification using the method of choice. I used the US Post Office and it was easy. The clerk scanned the DOL bar code, scanned the back of my Colorado DL, visually ID’ed me, clicked on his screen, and said “You are good to go”.
- Complete your on-line Un-employment Claim using MyUT+ and answering questions such as employment begin and end dates, the reason for loss of employment (Position Elimination), other jobs you might hold, pay rate, etc.
- If you run into problems with the Colorado MyUI+ application or other things “go bad” with your on-line claim, the Colorado Department of Labor has a call center. They are understaffed, so getting through is a bit tough (see #10) but help is good.
- Calling the MyUI+ Customer Service line for claim questions and support:
a. The phone number is: 303-536-5615
b. Make sure you have your “Claimant ID” (listed at top of MyUI+ screen) ready.
c. The call center hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F. They have a phone “wait” queue which fills between 10:00-11:00 AM (my experience), so “missing” a spot will get you a “Please call back tomorrow” message and nothing further even if you stay on the line listening to music.
d. Listen to the informational messages and music until you get to the “High Call Volume” message an option to enter a “0” for call-back later without losing your place in line. Use it! This call-back message is usually ~10-15 minutes in. I used the call back method three times so far, and they called back each time anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours later.
e. The Customer Service center is staffed with very nice and helpful people. I spent about 30 minutes today resolving an issue with my claim.
I am ex-Schwab and these tips are based on my own experience. There are extensive “How-to” guides, explanations, and FAQs on the CDL website which cover the process. I hope this information helps with filing for your Colorado Unemployment benefits. Good luck!