Can Colorado Unemployment Be Extended?

Learn when Colorado unemployment can be extended, how Extended Benefits (EB) works, eligibility rules, duration, and what to do when your regular weeks run out.

If you’re receiving unemployment benefits in Colorado and wondering whether you can get more weeks after your regular benefits run out, the answer depends on whether the state has activated Extended Benefits (EB). In most cases, extensions depend on EB triggers—there’s no automatic extra weeks unless a program is active.

Colorado’s regular unemployment insurance (UI) program provides up to 26 weeks of benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Once you’ve exhausted those 26 weeks, you may qualify for additional weeks only if Extended Benefits (EB) have been triggered on in Colorado due to high unemployment. Unlike the pandemic-era federal programs that provided automatic extensions, EB is not always active—it depends on economic conditions.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unemployment extensions in Colorado, including how EB works, current status, eligibility requirements, and what to do when your benefits run out. For more information about unemployment extensions nationwide, see our Unemployment Benefits Extension 2026 guide.

1. What “extended unemployment” means in Colorado

Regular UI vs. extensions

When people search for “Can Colorado unemployment be extended?”, they’re usually asking whether they can receive benefits beyond the standard duration. To answer that, it’s important to understand the difference between regular unemployment insurance and extensions.

Regular unemployment benefits in Colorado provide up to 26 weeks of payments to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Your benefit amount is based on your past wages, and you receive a weekly benefit amount (WBA) for each week you remain unemployed and meet ongoing eligibility requirements (such as being able, available, and actively seeking work).

Your claim has a benefit year (typically 52 weeks from the date you file) and a maximum benefit amount (the total dollar amount you can receive during that benefit year). Once you’ve received 26 weeks of payments or exhausted your maximum benefit amount—whichever comes first—your regular benefits end.

“Extension” in unemployment language can mean different things depending on the context. Here are the most common types of extensions people ask about:

• Extended Benefits (EB): A permanent federal-state program that automatically activates when a state’s unemployment rate meets certain thresholds. EB can provide up to 13 additional weeks of benefits (or up to 20 weeks in some high-unemployment scenarios). This is the only “extension” that may be available in Colorado outside of emergency federal programs.
• Federal emergency programs: During national crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), Congress may create temporary programs like Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to extend benefits. As of this writing, no such programs are active.
• New claim after Benefit Year End (BYE): If your benefit year has ended (typically 52 weeks after you filed) and you’re still unemployed, you may be able to file a new claim if you’ve earned sufficient wages since your original claim. This is not technically an “extension”—it’s a new claim based on recent work.

Quick answer for 2026 readers

Here’s what you need to know right now about unemployment extensions in Colorado:

• Most likely scenario: If you exhaust your 26 weeks of regular Colorado UI and Extended Benefits (EB) are not triggered on in the state, your payments will stop. You’ll need to check whether you qualify for a new claim or explore other assistance programs.
• Sometimes available: If Colorado’s unemployment rate rises high enough to trigger EB, you may automatically receive up to 13 additional weeks of benefits after exhausting your regular 26 weeks.
• Not an extension: Filing a new claim after your benefit year ends is not the same as an extension. You must have earned sufficient new wages since your original claim to qualify for a new claim.

2. The main way unemployment can be extended in Colorado: Extended Benefits (EB)

What is EB?

Extended Benefits (EB) is a permanent federal-state program created in 1970 to provide additional weeks of unemployment compensation during periods of high unemployment. Unlike pandemic-era emergency programs, EB is not a temporary measure—it’s built into the unemployment insurance system and activates automatically when certain economic conditions are met.

EB is funded jointly by the federal government (50%) and the state (50%), though federal law has temporarily provided 100% federal funding during certain emergency periods. When EB is active in Colorado, eligible claimants who have exhausted their regular 26 weeks of UI can receive additional weeks of benefits at the same weekly benefit amount.

When does EB turn on/off?

Extended Benefits are “triggered” on or off based on Colorado’s unemployment rate. There are two main types of triggers, and states can choose to use one or both:

• Insured Unemployment Rate (IUR) Trigger: EB is triggered on when Colorado’s IUR (the percentage of the labor force receiving unemployment benefits) is at least 5% and at least 120% of the average IUR during the same 13-week period in the prior two years.
• Total Unemployment Rate (TUR) Trigger (optional): Some states also use the TUR (the overall unemployment rate). EB is triggered on when the state’s three-month average TUR is at least 6.5% and at least 110% of the average TUR during the same period in at least one of the prior two years.

The U.S. Department of Labor publishes a weekly Extended Benefits Trigger Notice that lists which states (if any) have EB triggered on. Triggers are reviewed weekly, which means EB status can change frequently. A state can trigger “on” for EB one week and trigger “off” a few weeks or months later if unemployment rates improve.

If EB triggers off while you are receiving EB payments, your benefits will typically continue until you exhaust the weeks you were entitled to when EB first triggered on, or until you reach the maximum number of weeks allowed under the program—whichever comes first. For more context about how EB works nationwide, visit our Unemployment Benefits Extension 2026 guide.

EB vs PEUC (pandemic-era programs)

Many Colorado residents remember receiving extended unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic and wonder if those programs are still available. Here’s the key difference:

• Extended Benefits (EB): A permanent program that has existed since 1970. It activates automatically based on state unemployment rates and can provide up to 13 additional weeks (or up to 20 weeks in high-unemployment periods). EB is still available today if Colorado’s unemployment rate triggers it on.
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): A temporary federal program created in March 2020 that provided up to 53 weeks of additional benefits to workers who exhausted regular UI. PEUC ended nationwide on September 6, 2021, and has not been renewed. It is not active in 2026.

Other pandemic-era programs—such as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for self-employed workers and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) for the extra $300–$600 per week—also ended in September 2021 and are not currently available.

If Congress enacts new federal emergency unemployment programs in the future, they would be separate from EB and would have their own eligibility and duration rules. As of this writing, no such programs have been enacted.

3. Is Colorado offering an unemployment extension right now?

Whether Extended Benefits (EB) are currently available in Colorado depends on the state’s unemployment rate at the time you exhaust your regular benefits. EB status can change weekly based on economic conditions, so it’s important to check the most current information.

Check the official status

To check whether EB is currently active in Colorado:

1. Visit the DOL EB Trigger Notice: The U.S. Department of Labor publishes a weekly Extended Benefits Trigger Notice at https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/claims.asp. This notice lists which states (if any) have EB triggered on as of the most recent week.
2. Check the Colorado CDLE website: The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) typically posts announcements about EB status on their unemployment homepage.
3. Log in to your MyUI+ account: If EB is active and you’re eligible, Colorado CDLE will typically notify you through your online unemployment account (MyUI+) when you exhaust your regular benefits.

If EB is OFF: What to expect

If Extended Benefits are not triggered on in Colorado when you exhaust your regular 26 weeks:

• Your unemployment payments will stop after your regular benefits are exhausted.
• You will receive a notice from CDLE explaining that your benefits have ended.
• You may be able to file a new claim if your benefit year has ended and you’ve earned sufficient new wages (see Section 6 below).
• If you do not qualify for a new claim, you should explore other assistance programs such as SNAP (food assistance), TANF (cash assistance), or local workforce services.

If EB is ON: What to expect

If Extended Benefits are triggered on in Colorado when you exhaust your regular benefits:

• You will typically be automatically enrolled in EB. You do not need to file a new application—just continue certifying for benefits each week as usual.
• You will receive a notice from CDLE explaining that you are now receiving EB payments.
• Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) will remain the same as it was under regular UI.
• You can receive up to 13 additional weeks of EB (or up to 20 weeks if a “High Unemployment Period” is in effect and Colorado has adopted that option).
• You must continue to meet all ongoing eligibility requirements, including work search requirements (which may be stricter under EB).

4. Who is eligible for an extension in Colorado?

To qualify for Extended Benefits in Colorado, you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

Basic eligibility checklist

1. You must have exhausted your regular UI benefits: You cannot receive EB until you have used up all weeks (or your maximum benefit amount) of regular Colorado unemployment compensation available under your current benefit year.
2. You must have no other UI benefits available: You cannot have other state or federal unemployment benefits available (such as a new claim or additional weeks under a different program).
3. You must meet monetary eligibility requirements: You must have earned sufficient wages during your base period to meet Colorado’s monetary eligibility requirements. Many states require higher earnings for EB than for regular UI. Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim.
4. You must have a qualifying job separation: You must have been separated from employment for reasons that do not disqualify you (e.g., not fired for misconduct, not voluntarily quit without good cause).
5. You must be able, available, and actively seeking work: You must be physically and mentally able to work, available for full-time work, and actively seeking employment each week. CDLE recommends at least five work search activities per week (unless you are job-attached, union member with hiring hall, or participating in approved training).
6. You must accept suitable work: You must be willing to accept any offer of suitable work. During an EB period, “suitable work” is defined more broadly than under regular UI. For example, after a certain number of weeks on EB, you may be required to accept work at a lower wage or in a different occupation than your previous job.

Reasons people get denied for an extension

Even if EB is triggered on in Colorado, you may be denied Extended Benefits for several reasons:

• Insufficient wages / not monetarily eligible: If you did not earn enough wages during your base period to meet EB monetary eligibility requirements, you will not qualify for EB—even if you qualified for regular UI.
• Pending issues or disqualifications: If you have unresolved issues on your claim (such as a separation issue, identity verification requirement, or overpayment), your EB payments may be delayed or denied until those issues are resolved.
• Failure to certify or report earnings: If you do not certify for benefits each week or fail to accurately report any earnings from part-time work, your EB payments will be delayed or stopped.
• Not meeting work search requirements: If you do not complete the recommended number of work search activities each week, you may be disqualified from EB. Work search requirements are often stricter during EB periods.
• Refusal of suitable work: If you refuse a job offer that is considered “suitable” under EB rules, you will be disqualified from EB. Remember that the definition of “suitable work” is broader under EB than under regular UI.

If you are denied EB and believe the denial is incorrect, you have the right to appeal the decision within 20 calendar days. For more information about appealing unemployment denials, visit our Unemployment Appeal guide.

5. How many extra weeks can Colorado unemployment be extended?

Typical EB duration (explained simply)

The number of additional weeks you can receive through Extended Benefits depends on several factors, including Colorado’s unemployment rate and the specific EB rules in effect when the program is triggered on.

Standard EB duration: Extended Benefits typically provide up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment compensation. This is equal to 50% of the number of weeks provided by regular UI, capped at 13 weeks. Since Colorado provides up to 26 weeks of regular UI, EB would provide up to 13 additional weeks (50% of 26 = 13).

High Unemployment Period (HUP) option: If Colorado has adopted the optional “High Unemployment Period” provision and the state’s unemployment rate exceeds 8%, EB can provide up to 20 total weeks of additional benefits instead of 13. However, not all states adopt this option, and it only applies during periods of very high unemployment.

Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) under EB is the same as your regular UI weekly benefit amount. EB does not increase or decrease your weekly payment—it simply extends the number of weeks you can receive benefits.

What happens if EB turns off mid-claim?

Because EB is triggered on and off based on changing unemployment rates, it’s possible for EB to turn off while you are still receiving EB payments. Here’s what happens in that scenario:

• You can typically finish the weeks you were entitled to: If EB triggers off in Colorado while you are receiving EB benefits, you will usually be allowed to continue receiving EB until you exhaust the weeks you were entitled to when EB first triggered on—or until you reach the maximum number of EB weeks allowed, whichever comes first.
• No new claimants can start EB: Once EB triggers off, new claimants who exhaust their regular benefits will not be eligible to start receiving EB (unless it triggers back on in the future).
• Check with CDLE for specifics: Rules about what happens when EB triggers off can vary slightly depending on federal and state law at the time. Always check with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment for the most current information.

If you have questions about how many EB weeks you are entitled to or what will happen if EB triggers off, contact Colorado CDLE through your MyUI+ account or call the unemployment hotline.

6. What to do when your Colorado unemployment runs out

If your unemployment benefits are ending and Extended Benefits are not available in Colorado, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to explore your options and find additional assistance.

Step-by-step: What to do next

1. Review your claim balance and Benefit Year End (BYE) date: Log in to your MyUI+ account and check how many weeks of benefits you have remaining and when your benefit year ends. Your BYE date is typically 52 weeks from the date you filed your claim.
2. If your benefit year has ended, you may need to file a new claim: If your BYE date has passed and you are still unemployed, you may be eligible to file a new unemployment claim. To qualify for a new claim, you must have earned sufficient new wages since your original claim was filed (see CDLE monetary eligibility requirements). Even if you still have a remaining balance on your old claim, you cannot continue receiving benefits after your BYE date unless you file a new claim and qualify based on recent work and wages.
3. If you’re still within your benefit year, verify EB eligibility: If your benefit year has not ended but you’ve exhausted your 26 weeks of regular benefits, check whether EB is active in Colorado (see Section 3 above). If EB is triggered on and you meet eligibility requirements, you should be automatically enrolled.
4. Keep certifying for benefits (if the system allows): If you believe you may be eligible for EB or a new claim, continue certifying for benefits each week. Do not skip weeks—you can only receive benefits for weeks you certify.
5. If there’s an issue, contact CDLE or review notifications: If you receive a denial notice or your payments stop unexpectedly, read the notice carefully to understand why. You may need to provide additional information, resolve a pending issue, or file an appeal. Contact Colorado CDLE through your MyUI+ account, by phone, or through the virtual assistant on the CDLE website.

Colorado-specific resources

For the full Colorado unemployment guide, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, payment schedules, and contact information, visit our Colorado Unemployment Guide.

If you do not qualify for a new unemployment claim or for EB, consider applying for other federal and state assistance programs:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families buy food. Apply at Colorado Department of Human Services.
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Provides cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children. Contact your local county human services office.
• Rental Assistance: Colorado offers emergency rental assistance programs. Search for programs at CFPB’s Housing Assistance Finder.
• Colorado Workforce Centers: Visit a local workforce center for free job search assistance, resume help, skills training, and referrals to supportive services. Find your nearest center at Conectate Colorado.

7. Common Colorado scenarios (troubleshooting)

Here are some common situations Colorado unemployment claimants face when their benefits are ending, along with explanations and next steps:

Scenario 1 — You exhausted weeks but still see a balance

What it usually means:

• You’ve received all 26 weeks of regular Colorado UI benefits, but you still have a dollar amount remaining on your claim. This happens when the total payments you’ve received are less than your maximum benefit amount.
• Having a remaining balance does not mean you can continue receiving benefits—you cannot receive more than 26 weeks of regular UI, regardless of whether you have a balance left.

What to check next:

• Check whether EB is active in Colorado. If yes, you may be automatically enrolled in EB to receive additional weeks.
• If EB is not active, check your BYE date. If your benefit year has ended, you may need to file a new claim.

Scenario 2 — BYE ended but you’re still unemployed

What it usually means:

• Your Benefit Year End (BYE) date has passed—meaning it’s been 52 weeks since you originally filed your claim—but you’re still unemployed and want to continue receiving benefits.
• Once your BYE is reached, your claim expires even if you have a remaining balance or unused weeks. You cannot continue receiving benefits on an expired claim.

What to check next:

• If you earned sufficient new wages since your original claim (see CDLE monetary eligibility requirements), you may be able to file a new unemployment claim. The new claim will be based on your recent work and earnings.
• If you have not worked or earned sufficient wages since your original claim, you will not qualify for a new claim. You should explore other assistance programs (SNAP, TANF, rental assistance, etc.).
• Contact CDLE to confirm whether you should file a new claim or whether there are other options available to you.

Scenario 3 — You were denied an extension

What it usually means:

• You exhausted your regular UI benefits and expected to receive Extended Benefits (EB), but you received a denial notice instead.
• Common reasons for EB denial include: not meeting monetary eligibility requirements, having unresolved separation or identity issues, failing to meet work search requirements, or refusing suitable work.

What to check next:

• Read the denial notice carefully to understand the specific reason for the denial.
• If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to appeal. You have 20 calendar days from the date of the notice to file an appeal with CDLE. Visit our Unemployment Appeal guide for step-by-step instructions.
• If the denial is correct and you do not qualify for EB, check whether you qualify for a new claim (if your BYE has passed) or explore other assistance programs.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)