Colorado Veteran Benefits

Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

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How Colorado compares

Colorado is more limited overall, so veterans may need to rely more on federal benefits than unusually strong state-level programs.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🎣 Recreation 🚗 Vehicle 🏥 Healthcare ⭐ Other

🏠 Property Tax

2 tracked items

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Rating: 100% permanent or TDIU

50% exemption on the first $200,000 of actual value of primary residence. Effective savings of up to $100,000 in assessed value reduction.

Eligibility: Veterans rated 100% permanently disabled or TDIU (Individual Unemployability, added 2025 via Amendment G). Must apply to county assessor between Jan 1 and Jul 1. Source

Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption

Rating: Surviving spouse of 100%/TDIU veteran

Same 50% exemption on first $200,000 of actual value for surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans.

Eligibility: Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the exemption. Source

💰 Income Tax

2 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Partial Exemption

Rating: None

Partial tax exemption on military retirement pay: up to $15,000 for retirees under 55, up to $20,000 for ages 55-64, up to $24,000 for ages 65+.

Eligibility: Military retirees. Amount varies by age bracket. Source

VA Disability Compensation Tax Exemption

Rating: Any rating

All VA disability compensation is exempt from Colorado state income tax.

Eligibility: All veterans receiving VA disability compensation. Source

🎓 Education

2 tracked items

Colorado National Guard Tuition Waiver (SB 25-247)

Rating: Current Colorado National Guard member

From July 2025, current Colorado National Guard members in good standing can get up to 100% of tuition waived at state colleges (up to 65 credits at 2-year schools, 130 at 4-year schools, 145 combined). Replaces the old State Tuition Assistance program. Does not cover fees or books, and is not for veterans who have left the Guard.

Eligibility: National Guard members and eligible veterans per new legislation. Source

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Rating: None

Veterans and dependents receive in-state tuition at Colorado public institutions regardless of state of residency.

Eligibility: Veterans and their dependents. Source

💼 Employment

1 tracked item

Veterans' Preference in State Employment

Rating: None (disabled veterans receive additional points)

Hiring preference for eligible veterans and their spouses with additional points on competitive state job exams.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans and their spouses applying for state employment. Source

🎣 Recreation

4 tracked items

Free State Parks Admission (Disabled Veteran Plates)

Rating: Varies (must have DV plates)

Veterans with state disabled veteran license plates receive free admission to all Colorado state parks and recreation areas.

Eligibility: Veterans with disabled veteran license plates. Source

Free Lifetime Combination Hunting/Fishing License (60%+)

Rating: 60%+ or Purple Heart

Colorado residents with a 60%+ service-connected rating, or Purple Heart recipients, get a free lifetime combination small game hunting and fishing license. Applicants born on or after Jan 1, 1949 need hunter education.

Eligibility: Veterans with 50%+ service-connected disability. Source

Independence Pass (Free State Parks, 50%+)

Rating: 50%+

Colorado residents with a 50%+ service-connected rating can get the Independence Pass for free entry to Colorado state parks.

Eligibility: Veterans with 60%+ service-connected disability. Source

Free Parks Access - August & Veterans Day

Rating: None

Active-duty members and all veterans are admitted free to Colorado state parks for the entire month of August and on Veterans Day. No residency requirement.

Eligibility: All active-duty and veterans. Source

🚗 Vehicle

1 tracked item

Military/Veteran License Plates

Rating: None (varies by plate type)

40 distinctive license plate designs available for service members, veterans, retirees, and family members. For passenger cars, trucks under 16,000 lbs, RVs, motor homes, and motorcycles.

Eligibility: Service members, veterans, retirees, and eligible family members. Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Veterans Community Living Centers

Rating: None

State-operated long-term care and short-term rehabilitation facilities serving veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents. Services include skilled nursing, therapy, social activities, respite care, and hospice.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans, their spouses/widows, and Gold Star parents. Source

⭐ Other

1 tracked item

Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado

Rating: None

State veterans cemetery in Grand Junction offering dignified burial at no charge to eligible Colorado veterans and family members.

Eligibility: Colorado resident veterans (same eligibility as VA national cemeteries plus CO residency). Source

⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.