What MyUI is and how to access it

MyUI is the online portal where you file your initial unemployment claim in Colorado and manage it week to week. It is run by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). You do not file through a separate website or call a phone number to start — MyUI is where the process happens.

To reach MyUI, go to myui.colorado.gov. You will need to create an account with a username and password. If you have filed in Colorado before, you may already have a MyUI account; you can log in with those credentials. If this is your first time, you will set up a new account during the filing process.

You can access MyUI from a computer, tablet, or phone. The site works best in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. If you do not have internet access at home, you can use a public library computer or a CDLE office location.

Key Takeaways

  • MyUI is the official Colorado portal where you file your claim and submit weekly certifications; there is no paper option or phone filing for initial claims.
  • You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last employer to file.
  • After you file your initial claim, you must certify your weekly status every week to receive payments, and this is also done through MyUI.
  • If you cannot log in or get stuck during filing, CDLE has a phone line and in-person offices that can walk you through the steps.
  • MyUI shows your claim status, payment history, and any documents CDLE has requested from you in real time.

Filing your initial claim through MyUI

When you first log in, MyUI will ask whether you want to file a new claim or manage an existing one. Select "File a New Claim." The system will walk you through a series of screens. Have the following ready before you start: your Social Security number, your Colorado driver's license or ID number, your last employer's name and address, the date you last worked, and the reason your job ended (laid off, quit, fired, or other).

The form asks about your work history for the past 18 months. You will list each employer, the dates you worked there, your job title, and why you left. If you were laid off due to lack of work, say that. If you quit, explain why — for example, unsafe conditions, no childcare, or relocation. If you were fired, describe what happened. CDLE uses this information to determine whether you are disqualified.

You will also answer questions about whether you are looking for work, whether you are in school, and whether you have any income coming in (including gig work, self-employment, or severance). Answer honestly. Misreporting income or work search status is fraud and can result in overpayment demands and criminal charges.

At the end, MyUI will show you a summary of what you entered. Review it carefully. If something is wrong, go back and correct it before you submit. Once you submit, CDLE receives your claim and begins processing it. You will see a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.

What happens after you file and how long it takes

After you submit your claim, MyUI will show your claim status as "Pending." CDLE typically processes claims within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer if they need to contact your employer or if there are issues with your account. During this time, you can log back into MyUI and see whether any documents or information have been requested.

If CDLE needs more information — for example, proof of identity, separation documents from your employer, or clarification about why you left your job — they will send you a message through MyUI. Check your account at least twice a week. If you miss a important date to respond, your claim can be delayed or denied.

Once your claim is approved, MyUI will show your weekly benefit amount and your claim status will change to "Active." You will then be required to file a weekly certification every week to receive payment. The certification window usually opens on Sunday and closes on Saturday.

Filing your weekly certification

Every week that you receive unemployment, you must log into MyUI and certify that you are still unemployed and meeting the work search requirements. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Log in, go to "Weekly Certifications," and answer the questions for that week: Did you work? Did you earn any money? Did you look for work? Are you available to work?

Answer truthfully. If you worked even a few hours, report it — CDLE will reduce your payment by a portion of what you earned, but you will still receive a partial benefit. If you do not report work income and CDLE finds out, you will owe back the overpayment plus penalties.

Submit your certification by the important date shown on your screen. If you miss the important date, your payment will be delayed. If you miss certifications for two weeks in a row, your claim can be suspended. You can file a late certification, but it takes longer to process.

Checking your claim status and payment history

Once you log into MyUI, the dashboard shows your claim status at the top. It will say "Active," "Pending," "Suspended," or "Closed," depending on where your claim stands. Below that, you can see your weekly benefit amount, your remaining balance, and the date your claim expires (usually 52 weeks from the date you filed).

Click on "Payment History" to see every payment CDLE has sent you, the date it was sent, and the method (direct deposit or debit card). If a payment is missing or shows the wrong amount, this is where you will see it first. If you spot an error, contact CDLE through the phone number on your MyUI dashboard.

MyUI also shows any documents CDLE has requested and whether you have uploaded them. If you see a red flag or a message saying "Action Required," open it when ready and follow the instructions. These are usually time-sensitive.

Troubleshooting login and account issues

If you forget your MyUI password, click "Forgot Password" on the login screen. MyUI will send a reset link to the email address you used when you created your account. Check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.

If you cannot remember your username, click "Forgot Username" and enter your email address or Social Security number. MyUI will send your username to that email.

If you are locked out of your account after multiple failed login attempts, wait 15 minutes and try again. If the problem persists, call the CDLE Unemployment Insurance Benefits line at 303-318-8000 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time). Have your Social Security number and driver's license number ready. Wait times can be long, especially early in the week.

If you have trouble uploading documents or the website is slow, try a different browser or device. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then log back in. If the site is down for maintenance, MyUI will show a message at myui.colorado.gov. Check back in a few hours.

What to do if you get stuck filing or certifying

If you get an error message while filing your initial claim or weekly certification, write down the exact error text and the step where it happened. Close the browser, wait a few minutes, and try again. Sometimes the issue is temporary.

If the same error happens twice, do not keep trying — you risk submitting duplicate claims or certifications. Instead, call CDLE at 303-318-8000 and explain what happened. They can file your claim or certification manually over the phone, or they can tell you whether there is a problem with your account that needs to be fixed first.

If you are having trouble understanding a question on the form, CDLE staff can walk you through it. You do not have to guess. It is better to call and get it right than to file incorrectly and have to fix it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my claim on paper instead of through MyUI?

No. Colorado requires all initial claims and weekly certifications to be filed through MyUI. There is no paper option. If you do not have internet access, you can use a public library computer, a CDLE office, or call 303-318-8000 and ask whether they can help you file by phone in your situation.

What if I do not have an email address to create a MyUI account?

You will need an email address to set up MyUI. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook in a few minutes. Once you have an email, you can create your MyUI account.

How long does it take to get my first payment after I file?

CDLE processes claims within 7 to 10 business days. Once your claim is approved, your first payment is usually sent within 7 to 10 days after that. If you set up direct deposit, it arrives faster than a debit card. You can check the status anytime by logging into MyUI.

What if I worked part-time while collecting unemployment?

Report all work and earnings on your weekly certification, even if it is just a few hours. CDLE will reduce your benefit by a portion of what you earned, but you will still receive a partial payment. If you do not report it and CDLE finds out, you will owe back the overpayment.

Can I file my weekly certification early?

No. The certification window opens on a specific day each week (usually Sunday) and you can only file during that window. You cannot file ahead of time. If you know you will be unavailable during the filing window, contact CDLE in advance to ask about options.