Colorado Department of Labor and Employment main line

The main phone number for Colorado's unemployment program is 303-318-8000. This line connects you to the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), which administers unemployment insurance in the state. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

When you call, you will hear a menu with options for different services. Press the number for unemployment insurance claims if you are calling about a new claim, a claim you already filed, or a payment issue. The system may route you to a claims specialist or to an automated system depending on what you need and how busy the line is.

Wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter holds than calling on Monday or Friday afternoon. If you cannot reach someone, you can also file or manage your claim online through the CDLE website without calling.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 303-318-8000 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time) to reach the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
  • The phone menu will direct you to unemployment insurance options; select the option that matches your reason for calling.
  • Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or on Wednesday and Thursday than on Mondays or Friday afternoons.
  • You can file a claim or check your claim status online without calling if the phone line is busy.

What to have ready before you call

Before you dial, gather documents that will help the specialist answer your question quickly. If you are calling about a new claim, have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your most recent job ready. Include the employer's name, the dates you worked there, and the reason your employment ended.

If you are calling about a claim you already filed, have your claim number handy. You can find this number in any email or letter CDLE sent you about your claim. If you are calling about a payment or a payment delay, have the week or date the payment was supposed to arrive.

Having this information before you call reduces the time a specialist spends looking things up and means you get your answer faster.

When the main line does not answer your question

If your issue is specific to a particular claim decision or a denial, you may need to speak with someone in the appeals unit rather than the general claims line. Ask the first person who answers to transfer you, or note the extension they give you and call back to reach that department directly.

Some issues—such as questions about a specific employer's account or tax reporting—route to different departments within CDLE. The person who answers the main line can tell you whether you need a different department and may be able to transfer you or give you a direct number.

Online and mail alternatives to calling

The CDLE website lets you file a new claim, check the status of a claim you already filed, and view payment history without calling. You can log in with your Social Security number and a PIN you create. This option works 24 hours a day and often gives you an answer faster than waiting on hold.

If you prefer to write, you can mail questions to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Unemployment Insurance, 633 17th Street, Suite 201, Denver, CO 80202. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to reach the office and another week or two for a response, so this method is slower than calling or using the website.

Hearing or speech impairment accommodations

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Colorado Relay Service to call 303-318-8000. Dial 711 from any phone, tell the relay operator the number you want to reach, and they will connect the call and relay the conversation for you. This service is free and available 24 hours a day.

If you use a video relay service or other accommodation, CDLE can work with you through that method as well. When you reach the main line, let the person know what accommodation you need.

What to do if you cannot reach anyone

If the line is consistently busy or you are not able to get through after several attempts, try calling at a different time of day. Early morning (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter wait times than late afternoon or Monday and Friday.

If you have been waiting for a response to a claim or a payment for more than the expected time, check the CDLE website first to see if your claim status has changed. You can also file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment if you believe your claim has been mishandled. The website has a form for this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I reach a person when ready when I call 303-318-8000?

No. You will hear an automated menu first. Select the option for unemployment insurance, and then you may wait on hold for a specialist. Wait times range from a few minutes to over an hour depending on call volume. The system may also offer you a callback option so you do not have to hold.

Can I call outside of business hours or on weekends?

The main line is only staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Outside those hours, you can file or check your claim on the CDLE website, which is open 24 hours a day. If you have an urgent issue, check the website first to see if it answers your question.

What if I am calling from outside Colorado?

You can call 303-318-8000 from anywhere in the United States. Long-distance charges may explore depending on your phone plan. The website is also available to anyone, regardless of location, so you can file or check your claim from out of state.

Do I need to have filed a claim before I call?

No. You can call to ask questions about whether you may be able to file a claim, what documents you need, or how the process works. A specialist can answer general questions and tell you what to do next.