Nearly a quarter-million Coloradans expected to file unemployment by end of week

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Department of Labor expects a nearly a quarter-million Coloradans to file unemployment claims by the end of the week. Officials tell KRDO this is the expected number of claims since March 16.

The surge in people out of work is causing delays and leaving many wondering when they'll get the money they desperately need.

The state says it takes at least two weeks to see the money after a claim is processed. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it typically took four to six weeks for people to see benefits.

The state labor department processed 10,000 claims over this last weekend to try and keep up.

"This is one that is difficult to model," said Colorado Department of Labor spokesman Cher Havvind.

Officials tell KRDO that forecasting the overall impact COVID-19 will have on the unemployment system isn't cut and dry.

"They started out very industry-specific," Havvind said. "So, when the ski industry experienced some closures, the hospitality, and leisure industry, we were prepared for that increase in claims load because it was directly related to the governor's order."

Specifically, officials say it's hard to create a model because some of those seeking benefits may be gig workers or laid off from an unknown business that is struggling financially.

"As we move forward, it's really hard to tell which industries might be most impacted," Havvind explained.

Several people in El Paso County have expressed frustration with lag times in receiving their benefits or being approved for those benefits.

"One thing everybody seems to understand is that these systems are taxed and overwhelmed as they never have been before, including during the recession," Havvind said.

Officials want to assure Coloradans they will not lose out on any benefits they're entitled to. If there is a delay, Coloradans who are approved for unemployment will receive back pay.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment plans to release new data regarding unemployment claims on Thursday morning.

KRDO is told that data will include new totals for the state and individual counties.