Where to log in and what you need

Colorado's unemployment system is called CONNECTS, and you log in through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment website. The login page is at colorado.gov/cdle — look for the CONNECTS portal link on the homepage. You will need your Social Security number and a password you created when you first registered.

If you have never logged in before, you must create an account first. This takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address where you can receive messages from the state. Once your account exists, you can log in anytime to check your claim status, view payment history, report your weekly work search, or update your contact information.

The CONNECTS system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are having trouble accessing the site during business hours, you can also call the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment at 303-318-8000, though wait times are often long during peak periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in to CONNECTS through colorado.gov/cdle using your Social Security number and password.
  • You must create an account before your first login, which requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
  • Once logged in, you can check your claim status, view payment dates, report work search activities, and update your address or phone number.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it through your email.
  • The system is open around the clock, but phone support is available only during business hours.

Creating your account if you are a new user

When you first visit the CONNECTS login page, select "Create Account" or "New User." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will send a verification link to that email — you must click it within a set time to complete registration.

You will then create a password. Colorado requires passwords to be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like ! or @). Write this password down somewhere safe, because resetting it later requires access to your email account.

After your account is created, you can log in when ready. The system will ask you to confirm some personal information on your first visit, such as your address and phone number. Make sure this information is correct, because the state uses it to contact you about your claim.

What to do if you forgot your password

On the CONNECTS login page, click "Forgot Password." The system will ask for your Social Security number and email address. If the email matches the one on your account, Colorado will send a password reset link to that email within a few minutes.

Click the link in the email and follow the prompts to create a new password. The link expires after a certain period, so check your email soon after requesting the reset. If you do not receive an email, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes password reset messages are filtered there by mistake.

If you cannot access the email address on your account, or if you do not remember your Social Security number, you will need to call the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment at 303-318-8000 to verify your identity and regain access.

Understanding what you see after you log in

Once you are logged into CONNECTS, the dashboard shows your current claim status at the top. This tells you whether your claim is "Active," "Inactive," "Pending," or "Disqualified." Below that, you will see your most recent payment information, including the date the payment was issued and the amount.

The left side of the screen has a menu with several options. "Claim Information" shows the details of your claim, including the week it started and your weekly benefit amount. "Payment History" lists every payment you have received, the dates, and the amounts. "Work Search" is where you report the jobs you looked for each week if you are receiving regular unemployment insurance.

You can also update your contact information, change your password, and view any messages from the state. If the state needs more information from you, a message will appear on your dashboard — read these carefully, because missing a important date can delay or stop your payments.

Reporting your weekly work search activities

If you are receiving regular unemployment insurance in Colorado, you must report your work search activities each week. Log into CONNECTS and select "Work Search" from the menu. You will see a form asking you to list the jobs you looked for, the dates, and how you searched (online, in person, through a recruiter, and so on).

You need to report at least three work search activities per week. These can include explore for jobs, attending interviews, contacting employers, or meeting with a career counselor. Write down the company name, the position, and the date you searched — the state may ask you to provide proof later.

The important date to report your work search is usually the Sunday after the week ends, though the exact date depends on when your claim started. If you miss the important date, your payment may be delayed or withheld. If you are unsure whether you need to report work search, check your claim details in CONNECTS or call the state.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see a message that your account is "locked," it usually means you entered the wrong password too many times. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying again, or use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it. If the account remains locked after that, call 303-318-8000.

If the website is running slowly or you cannot load the page, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then refresh the page. If that does not work, try a different web browser — sometimes CONNECTS works better in Chrome or Firefox than in Safari or Edge. You can also try logging in from a different device, like a phone or tablet.

If you see an error message that says your Social Security number or date of birth does not match the state's records, double-check that you are entering the information exactly as it appears on your Social Security card or driver's license. If the problem continues, call the state to verify that your account was set up with the correct information.

When to contact the state directly instead of using the website

The CONNECTS website handles most routine tasks, but some issues require a phone call. If your claim status shows "Disqualified" or "Pending" and you do not understand why, call 303-318-8000 to speak with someone who can explain the reason and tell you what to do next.

If you have not received a payment you expected, or if a payment amount seems wrong, call the state rather than waiting. They can check whether the payment is in process, delayed, or stopped for a reason. If you are having trouble with work search reporting or need an extension, call to ask — the state can sometimes grant exceptions.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Expect to wait, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can also submit a message through CONNECTS itself — log in, look for "Contact Us" or "Messages," and describe your issue. The state usually responds within one to two business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. CONNECTS works on mobile browsers, though the layout is smaller. You can use Safari, Chrome, or Firefox on your phone. Some people find it easier to use the website on a computer, but logging in from your phone works fine for checking your status or viewing payment history.

What if I see someone else's information when I log in?

Log out when ready and clear your browser cache. Then log back in and verify that the name and Social Security number match yours. If you still see someone else's information, call 303-318-8000 right away — this could indicate a security problem with your account.

Do I need to log in every week to receive my payment?

Not necessarily. If you are receiving regular unemployment insurance, you must report your work search activities each week, which requires logging in. If you are receiving Pandemic Unemployment information or another program, check your claim details to see whether weekly reporting is required.

How long does it take to create an account?

Account creation usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a verification email within a few minutes of signing up. If you do not see the email after 15 minutes, check your spam folder or wait a bit longer — sometimes emails are delayed.

Can I change my password after I log in?

Yes. Once you are logged into CONNECTS, look for "Account Settings" or "Change Password" in the menu. You will need to enter your current password and then create a new one following Colorado's password rules (12 characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters).