Colorado Unemployment Job Search Requirements

Colorado Unemployment Work Search

In order to maintain Colorado unemployment benefits eligibility, an unemployed worker must complete job search requirements for every week that they collect regular unemployment benefits. Unemployment insurance only provides you with temporary benefits. Colorado unemployment work search requirements are in place to help you find suitable work as quickly as possible.

What is the Colorado Unemployment work search requirement?

While you are receiving traditional unemployment benefits, you must perform several activities to maintain eligibility for Colorado unemployment benefits.

You must complete valid, verifiable work search requirements every week to receive UI payments.

The Colorado unemployment work search requirements involve a mixture of different work search activities that can help you find a new job and return to the workforce. Be sure to document your work search activities each week because you will be asked to report them when you file your weekly claim.

At any time up to 2 years from the start of your unemployment benefit claim, your work search requirements can be audited. Be sure to keep records of your work search activities somewhere safe.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment does not specify a minimum number of weekly work searches. Instead, they recommend completing at least 5 each week. The more work search requirements you fulfill, the faster you will find a job.

Register with your local Colorado Workforce Center

Claimants must register at a Colorado Workforce Center within 4 weeks of filing for UI benefits. If you do not register, you may lose your unemployment insurance benefits.

You have the option of registering at a Colorado Workforce Center in person or online. These Workforce Centers exist to give you the resources you need to become reemployed, including help with interviewing, resume writing, and your job search strategy.

To register online, visit the Connecting Colorado website and select “Recently filed an unemployment claim” when you sign in.

Examples of acceptable work search activities

It is recommended that you partake in 5 valid work search activities every week that you receive unemployment compensation. The following list gives you some examples of acceptable work search activities:

• Applying for a job you are qualified for
• Attending an interview for a job you are qualified for
• Reaching out to an employer you believe might have suitable work available to ask if they are hiring
• Uploading your resume to an online job board
• Creating a new user profile on a networking website, like LinkedIn
• Using online career tools
• Getting a job referral from a Colorado Workforce Center or similar entity
• Taking a test for the application process of a job that you are qualified for
• Going to networking events for an occupation you are qualified for
• Participating in reemployment services at a Colorado Workforce Center or similar entity
• Participating in a professional or state-sponsored work-related education or skills development program

How to document your work search activities

To ensure that the Division of Unemployment Insurance can verify you completed your work search requirements, you must be able to provide proof of your activities.

Here is a list of verifiable information to keep in your records:

• Employer contact information (including business name, address, reliable phone number, and email address)
• Name and title of the person you spoke with
• Job networking event name, location, and date
• Details of work-related education or development program
• Specifics of reemployment service you participated in
• Online career tool usage documentation
• Online job board submission confirmation

Since your work search requirements can be audited for up to 2 years from the date your unemployment claim is accepted, you should keep these documents for at least that long.

Tips for making sure your work search activities are valid

Work search activities only count towards your weekly Colorado unemployment work search requirement if they are valid. Each work search activity must be properly documented.

Here are some tips on performing valid, weekly work search activities:

• Always keep copies of website and email confirmations. Either print them out and store them in your records or save them in electronic form.
• Get the full job contact information (phone number and email) for any employers you talk with at job fairs, workshops, or hiring events
• When looking for work at a business, contact an employee who has the authority to hire you
• Always submit your resume or application or resume at a potential place of work, unless the employer tells you directly that job applications are not being accepted at the time
• Go to reemployment services at Colorado Workforce Centers that can help you return to the workforce
• Attend networking events for your field of work that may help you find a new job in your occupation

In addition to making sure the work search activities you perform are valid, be sure to always keep track of them using the forms provided by the CDLE (Colorado Department of Labor and Employment).

 

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Colorado Unemployment Job Training

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment offers a variety of different employment services for job seekers on unemployment insurance. These Colorado unemployment job training opportunities include the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act program, apprenticeships, Trade Adjustment Act assistance, educational programs, and employment opportunities for veterans.

WIOA Job Training

The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally-funded program that offers a range of employment services to unemployed job seekers.

These services include:

• Job search and resume assistance
• Career and education assessments
• Employment workshops
• Career counseling and planning
• Limited training for in-demand jobs (classroom training, apprenticeships, internships, or on-the-job training)
• Help with Labor Market information
• Supportive services

Similar to Colorado unemployment eligibility guidelines, you must be at least 18 years old and living legally in the United States to qualify for WIOA services. If you are male, you also have to register with the U.S. Selective Services.

For WIOA’s Dislocated Worker program, you have to either be unemployed by no fault of your own and lack the marketable skills to compete for jobs, or be an unemployed spouse who has lost your major income source.

To be eligible for WIOA training assistance, you must enroll in WIOA before training starts, take part in an assessment to demonstrate that you lack the required skills to compete for job opportunities in the field you will be training for, and acquire Labor Market Information that shows the training you have chosen will lead to you finding an in-demand job.

To apply, reach out to your local Colorado Workforce Center. They will inform you of the available WIOA programs and services.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is an “earn while you learn” career pathway program that helps individuals train for a well-paying profession. During an apprenticeship, you receive paid skills training and education to prepare you for your new occupation.

There are a lot of benefits to taking part in an apprenticeship program, including a guaranteed paycheck that increases with your progress, an education that provides a nationally recognized credential in your field, potential to earn college credit, and work-based learning under a qualified professional.

Apprenticeship programs are highly successful. The average yearly starting salary for an individual who has completed a registered apprenticeship program is $77K, and 90% of apprentices are hired when they finish their apprenticeship.

The State of Colorado offers a variety of recognized, top-quality apprenticeship programs, as follows:

• US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs
• Colorado Department of Higher Education Collegiate Apprenticeship Programs
• CareerWise Colorado Modern Youth Apprenticeship
• Colorado Community College Apprenticeship Programs
• Department of Regulatory Agencies Licensed Occupations Apprenticeship Program

Trade Adjustment Assistance

The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program gives a range of unemployment benefits to jobless workers who became unemployed because of foreign competition. Potential benefits you may be eligible to receive include job search and relocation assistance, job training, UI benefit extensions, and wage subsidies for individuals aged 50 years or older who take a full-time job that pays less than their former trade employment.

To qualify for TAA, your company must be certified by the US Department of Labor as being foreign trade impacted. You can apply for individual entitlement on the TAA website. Once your application is accepted, you can work with a TAA counselor at your local Workforce Center to apply for individual TAA benefits.

Veterans

Veterans receive Priority of Service for all of the employment services offered at Colorado Workforce Centers. Staff at Colorado unemployment office locations, including Veteran Employment Specialists, can provide one-on-one assistance for veterans at select Workforce Center locations.

Veterans and spouses who are struggling to find employment may be eligible for these one-on-one services, which include:

• Tips on interviewing
• Cover letter and resume writing
• Advice on how to translate your military experience into a civilian role
• Help finding education, experience, and training requirements for an occupation
• Guidance for targeting your job hunt to a specific industry
• Assistance with navigating career fair resources and online job boards

Educational Programs

If you live in a low income household, the federal Pell Grant program can help pay for your adult education and training so that you can find a job. Unlike a student loan, the Pell Grant does not require you to pay anything back.

To be eligible for the Pell Grant, you must show your financial need by filling out a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) form. The Pell Grant is only for undergraduate students, so you must have a high school level of education or lower. To qualify, you cannot have already earned a bachelor’s degree.

If you are receiving Colorado unemployment benefits and join a Colorado school or job training program, keep in mind that you need to report it before you file your weekly claim.