How to request payment for Colorado unemployment

Colorado sends unemployment payments through a debit card called the ReliaCard, which arrives in the mail after your claim is approved. You do not request the card itself — it comes automatically. What you do request is your weekly payment, which you must do every week you want to receive money. The state calls this "filing your weekly claim," and you can do it online through the Colorado Department of Labor website, by phone, or through the ReliaCard app.

The key thing to understand: approval of your claim and receiving your first payment are two different steps. Your claim might be approved, but if you do not file your weekly claim, no payment will be sent. You have to actively request payment each week, even if nothing about your situation has changed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file a weekly claim every week you want to receive a payment — the state does not send money automatically after your claim is approved.
  • The fastest way to file is through the Colorado Department of Labor website using your login, which takes about five minutes.
  • Your ReliaCard arrives by mail after your claim is approved, and all payments go directly onto that card.
  • You can file your weekly claim up to four days early, so you can request payment for the week ahead before the week ends.
  • If you miss the important date to file for a week, you can still file late, but the payment may be delayed by several days.

Filing your weekly claim online

The Colorado Department of Labor website is the fastest way to file. Go to cdle.colorado.gov, click "Unemployment Insurance" in the main menu, then select "File a Weekly Claim." You will need to log in with the username and password you created when you first filed your claim. If you do not have a login yet, you can create one on that same page.

Once you are logged in, you will answer a few short questions about your work and job search activity for that week. The questions ask whether you worked, earned any money, refused any job offers, and whether you are still looking for work. Answer honestly — the state cross-checks this information with employers and can deny payment if your answers do not match what they find. The whole process takes about five minutes.

You can file your weekly claim any time from Sunday through Friday of the week you are claiming. The state recommends filing early in the week so you do not miss the important date. Payments are usually sent to your ReliaCard within one to two business days after you file.

Filing by phone if you cannot use the website

If you do not have internet access or prefer to file by phone, call the Colorado Department of Labor at 303-318-8000. You will need your Social Security number and PIN (which you set up when you created your online account). The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

Phone lines are busiest on Mondays and Tuesdays, so calling later in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter wait times. You can also file through the ReliaCard app if you have a smartphone — the app lets you file your weekly claim in the same way as the website.

Understanding the ReliaCard and how payments arrive

The ReliaCard is a prepaid debit card issued by Conduent, the company that processes Colorado unemployment payments. After your claim is approved, the card is mailed to the address you provided on your claim form. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The card has your name on it, and you use it like a regular debit card to withdraw cash, make purchases, or transfer money to your bank account.

There is no fee to use the card for withdrawals at ATMs in the Conduent network, which includes most major banks and ATM networks. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged a fee. You can check the Conduent website to find fee-free ATMs near you. There is also no fee to transfer your balance to your own bank account through the card's app or website.

If your ReliaCard is lost, stolen, or damaged, call Conduent at the number on the back of the card (or call the Colorado Department of Labor if you have not received your card yet). They can freeze the card and send you a replacement, usually within 5 to 7 business days.

What happens if you miss the filing important date

Each week has a important date to file your claim — usually Friday at midnight. If you miss the important date, you can still file late, but your payment will be delayed. Late claims are usually processed within 5 to 10 business days instead of 1 to 2 business days. You can file up to two weeks late; after that, you lose the right to that week's payment.

If you know you will miss a important date because you are sick, traveling, or without internet access, contact the Colorado Department of Labor before the important date if you can. They may be able to extend your important date or help you file in another way. If you miss the important date without contacting them, you will have to explain why when you file late, and they may investigate whether your reason was valid.

What to do if your payment does not arrive

If you filed your weekly claim but your payment has not appeared on your ReliaCard after three business days, first check that you filed correctly. Log back into your account on the Colorado Department of Labor website and confirm that your claim shows as "filed" and "approved." If it shows as "pending" or "denied," there may be an issue with your claim that needs to be resolved before payment can be sent.

If your claim shows as approved and filed but the payment still has not arrived, contact the Colorado Department of Labor at 303-318-8000 or through the website. Have your Social Security number and the week you filed ready. They can check whether the payment was sent and, if it was, whether there is a problem with your ReliaCard or bank account that is preventing it from arriving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my weekly claim more than once for the same week?

No. Filing twice for the same week will not give you two payments. The system will only process one claim per week. If you file by mistake, contact the Colorado Department of Labor to report it, and they can cancel the duplicate before it is processed.

What if I worked part-time during the week I am claiming?

You still file your weekly claim, but you report the money you earned. Colorado reduces your payment by a portion of what you earned, but you may still receive a partial payment. The exact reduction depends on how much you earned and your weekly benefit amount.

Do I have to file every single week, even if nothing changed?

Yes. You must file a new claim every week you want to receive payment, even if your situation has not changed. The state uses your weekly filing to confirm you are still looking for work and have not returned to full-time employment.

What if I am on vacation and cannot file during the week?

You can file up to four days early, so you can file for the upcoming week before you leave for vacation. Log in and file your claim for the week ahead before your trip. This way you will not miss the important date.

Is there a fee to use my ReliaCard?

There is no fee to use the card at ATMs in the Conduent network or to transfer money to your bank account. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals may have a fee charged by the ATM operator. Check the Conduent website to find fee-free ATMs near you.