Anyone unemployed and fully understand CO's unemployment system?

[The SnowShow]

I have a number of fairly specific questions about unemployment insurance in CO, and cannot for the life of me get through to anyone on the phone - I am losing my shit. None of my questions are addressed in the booklet or online.

In terms of doing freelance/contract type work, this is what I understand: If you do any kind of work, under 32 hours in a week, you don't request payment for that week. What happens if the amount I get for that week is way more what I normally get per week of unemployment insurance?

For example, let's say I get $500 per week from unemployment, but take a 1 week long freelance job that pays $3,000 for that week of work. Do I not request payment for just that week, or do I have to continue to not request payment for 6? ($3,000/$500). I cannot get a clear answer from anyone.

Also, does anyone know if there's a ceiling for the amount of money made that will boot you out of the system? All I can find is that if you work a full time job (over 32 hours) you cannot claim unemployment anymore.
I just want to make sure I'm not committing fraud by taking a few small contract jobs and will report them correctly. Too bad the system's so fucked up that no one can get through to a helpline!

Thanks in advance.

[HansJob]

Just keep hitting redial. There's the generic message meaning the system is full. Then there's one that says, "All reps are busy. Please hold for next..." Not sure about your situation though. If you don't file for a two week period you'll have to reopen a new claim. Sorry I couldn't be more specific.

[The SnowShow]

Was just on hold for 2 hours and finally gave up. I am losing my shit completely.

[Man Jerk]

I had that experience, I think I sat on hold for like 2.5 hrs before I got through. No easy way to do it to my knowledge. You might want to contact one of the local workforce centers. I don't know if they can help or not.

[Wildman]

Send them a fax. Seriously bro. write down your questions, leave your contact # and email. they will call you. It worked for me. then you have a direct # for someone. I feel you pain. dealt with that bullshit for almost 8 months. It has to be one of the most pathetic systems in the world. I mean jaw droppingly horrible. Embarrassing for the state.

[robgoose]

Not in Co-- but the instructions say (as I recall) don't claim for the weeks you don't work. the amount you're paid for the freelance week is irrelevant. In other words, absent specific instructions to pro-rate what you earn, why even consider doing that?

[MakersTeleMark]

Work as much as possible and just report it online in hours and $$s (there's fields for that).

You want to keep you claim open. You won't get a check for those weeks, but you want to keep your status up until you reach your max. PM me with any questions. Be glad to help.

[The SnowShow]

Thank you for the comments.

Also, how long can one claim? 1 year?

[Edgnar]

Depends how much you've paid in, time between jobs. Call the local workforce office, its usually a much speedier way to get info.

good luck, unemployment sucks.

[dynodonkeyaltabird]

file for unemployment every week! there should be spot for you to write how much money/how many hours you worked each week. and as for how long you can claim, it varies but usually around a year.