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Colorado Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Under Colorado’s unemployment insurance law (C.R.S. § 8‑73‑102), the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment determines weekly benefits by taking 60% of the average weekly wage from your two highest consecutive quarters, then applying a $25 minimum and a $767 maximum. The state also runs a second calculation—55% of the whole‑base‑period average capped at $844—and pays whichever result is higher. Caps are updated each July.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

Colorado uses the two CONSECUTIVE quarters with the highest combined total. Before taxes.
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment — unemployment insurance — C.R.S. § 8-73-102; Colorado CDLE.

How Colorado calculates it

  • Identify the two highest consecutive quarters of wages you earned.
  • Add the wages from those quarters and divide the sum by 26 to get an average weekly wage.
  • Multiply that average by 60% to produce the primary benefit amount.
  • Apply the state floor of $25 and the ceiling of $767; adjust the amount if it falls outside those bounds.
  • Run the alternative calculation (55% of the whole‑base‑period average weekly wage, capped at $844) and compare the two results.
  • Pay the higher of the two amounts for up to 26 weeks; the weekly caps are revised each July.

Worked example

Quarters of $13,500 and $12,500: ($13,500 + $12,500) ÷ 26 × 60% = $600 — a weekly benefit of $600 for up to 26 weeks ($15,600 total if fully drawn).

Frequently asked questions

What weekly benefit amount can I expect in Colorado?

Colorado pays 60% of the average weekly wage from your two highest consecutive quarters, but the amount cannot be less than $25 or more than $767 per week; the state also runs a second calculation (55% of the whole‑base‑period average, capped at $844) and pays the higher result.

What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Colorado?

The primary 60% calculation is capped at $767 per week, while the alternative 55% calculation is capped at $844 per week; the higher of the two amounts is paid.

How many weeks can I receive benefits?

Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks in a claim year, unless extended by federal emergency programs.

Which wages do I need to enter for the calculator?

Enter the total wages you earned in your highest consecutive quarter and the wages from the adjacent quarter; these two figures are used in the 60% calculation.

When do the benefit caps change?

Colorado adjusts the weekly minimum and maximum benefit caps each July.

Is the calculation different in Denver, Colorado Springs or Aurora?

No. Benefits are set by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Colorado. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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StateTally. (2026). Colorado Unemployment Calculator 2026: up to $767/week. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/unemployment/colorado/