Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed Workers in Colorado Open Apr. 20
Coloradans who are eligible for extended federal unemployment benefits under the CARES Act can start applying for those benefits starting Monday, April 20, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced on Friday, April 17.
The long-awaited system will allow self-employed workers, independent contractors and so-called “gig workers” to apply for unemployment benefits. It will also extend an additional 13 weeks of federal benefits to workers who exhaust their 26 weeks or regular benefits and $600 a week to anyone receiving benefits of any kind.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will be retroactive to Feb. 2 if people can prove there are eligible for benefits from the past few weeks. The $600 a week benefit will be retroactive to March 29 and runs through July 25.
Here are some FAQs for Creatives who may be applying for benefits for the first time:
Q) What will I need to apply for unemployment benefits?
A) Self-employed workers will need their 2018 or 2019 tax return (whichever was most recently completed) in order to register.
Q) How long will it take to receive benefits after I apply?
A) Once someone has submitted their initial claim, the state says it should take around 24 hours for them to certify the individual as eligible for benefits. The following day, individuals should be able to use their PINs (delivered via email) to go into the system and request benefits for the weeks they are eligible. Within a few business days of the request, benefits will be delivered to the recipient via direct deposit or a debit card.
Q) Does my income have to be zero to apply?
A) Even if you’re still working part-time, if you’ve suffered a reduction in income or hours because of the pandemic, you should quality for partial benefits.
Q) Where do I apply for benefits?
A) Visit ColoradoUI.gov to register for benefits.
Q) I’m still confused on my eligibility and how all of this will work. How can I learn more?
A) The CDLE is hosting a virtual town hall on Monday, April 20 at 9:15am. Register online for free.
Read the full announcement about the new system for unemployment benefits on The Denver Channel.
Visit the Colorado Department of Labor and Unemployment’s website.