03/23/2020

Interested in Unemployment Insurance?

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) system in Colorado is primarily an online system. Claimants are encouraged to file online at colorado.gov. The UI system is designed to handle 1,200 claims per day. Claims are exceeding that capacity.

Need to file an unemployment claim?

• If your last name begins with the letter A - M, file a claim on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or after 12 noon on Saturday.
• If your last name begins with the letter N - Z, file a claim on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or before 12 noon on Saturday.

Other tips:

• While filing the claim, click the Save & Finish Later button often, and click File a Claim to return to the last page you saved.
• File during non-peak hours (evenings after 8 p.m., late nights, early mornings). It may improve your experience.
• You must provide information about the reason you are no longer working for all employers from the last 18 months. If you have a lot of information to include, it is best if you type up this information before you start, then copy/paste at the appropriate time.
• Once finished, click Submit one time. When the claim is successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation page and number.
• The application to file a claim will be unavailable daily from 6 to 8 p.m. for maintenance.

To expand access, UI claimants may call-in to file a claim. The number of UI telephone lines has been increased and there is a high volume of callers. Call 1.800.388.5515 (outside of Denver) or 1.303.318.9000 (Denver).

Claimants are typically required to document five (5) work-search activities per week.  That number has been reduced to one (1) due to the sudden changes in the economy. If you believe that you are not able to complete one (1) work-search activity due to an industry-wide shutdown, you can call Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD) and request that the number be changed to zero (0). 

If you have general questions about UI, please feel free to call 970.498.6600.  You may have to leave a message due to the high volume of calls but we will return your call as soon as possible and within two business days. 

While Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development cannot answer individual specific questions regarding UI claims, we can answer basic UI questions and assist you with your job search in a variety of ways.

Would you like assistance with your job search? Connect with the Workforce Connections Team. Call 970.498.6600 or email LCEWD-workforceconnections@larimer.org. 

• Assistance registering with the statewide job search engine, Connecting Colorado, which is a requirement for UI benefits
• Maximizing your online job search, including your Connecting Colorado account
• Utilizing other online tools/resources for your job search, i.e., LinkedIn
• Resume reviews*
• Customizing your resume to a specific job description
• Cover letter review/assistance
• Interview prep/mock interviews
• Career exploration  

*If the only assistance you want is to have your resume reviewed, submit directly through your Connecting Colorado account.  On your dashboard, look for the “Toolbox” and click on “Resume Review.”  Your resume will be reviewed and feedback provided to you via email within five (5) business days.

03/20/2020

Small business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Colorado businesses are eligible to apply. 

Apply online:  disasterloan.sba.gov

The Larimer SBDC and Loveland Business Development Center will have additional consulting staff available to help small businesses navigate this process. We recommend you start the application process early as there is no requirement to accept funds if you are approved. Working with an SBDC consultant will help you navigate the process and alleviate some of the stress of this process.
 
Register for consulting staff services at:
Larimersbdc.org/consulting or LovelandBusiness.com/consulting

Additional Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19:

Larimer.org/ewd/resources-businesses-impacted-covid-19

03/20/2020

IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING ONSITE SERVICES

Keeping our customers and staff safe and healthy is at the heart of all we do at Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD).  In doing our part to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and in compliance with the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners’ resolution to modify County business operations, the LCEWD office will be closed to the public starting Friday, March 27, 2020 through Friday, April 17, 2020, or until further notice.

Our services will continue via telephone, email, or online.  Please visit our website at:  larimer.org/ewd for additional information.  We can be reached by telephone at 970-498-6600, or by email at:  LCEWD-workforceconnections@larimer.org.

If you are a community member or business experiencing non-illness related impacts from COVID-19, please visit the following link for additional resources: larimer.org/covid-19-non-health-related-community-impacts.

Our purpose – and the care and concern we have for our customers and staff – guides us in times like these.  Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you in person soon!