Colorado Veteran Benefits

Discover 18 state benefits available to Colorado veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

18
State Benefits
8
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in Colorado

🏛️Tax Benefits(3)

Military Retirement Pay State Income Tax Deduction

Any Veteran

Subtract up to $15,000-$24,000 of military retirement pay from Colorado taxable income depending on age.

Value: Up to $24,000 income subtraction

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Active-Duty Military Pay State Income Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

Full exemption from Colorado state income tax on military pay for active-duty members stationed outside Colorado.

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Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

100%+

50% exemption on the first $200,000 of actual home value for 100% P&T disabled veterans or TDIU.

Value: 50% exemption on first $200,000 home value

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🎓Education & Training(3)

Colorado National Guard State Tuition Waiver Program

Any Veteran

Up to 100% of tuition at Colorado state institutions for current National Guard members.

Value: Up to 100% tuition waiver

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Dependent Tuition Waiver (POW/MIA/Deceased Guard Members)

Any Veteran

Full tuition waiver at Colorado state institutions for children of POW/MIA veterans or deceased National Guard members.

Value: Full tuition waiver

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In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents

Any Veteran

In-state tuition rates at Colorado public colleges and universities for veterans and military dependents regardless of residency.

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🏥Healthcare(1)

Colorado Veterans Community Living Centers

Any Veteran

Long-term skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and respite care at five state veterans facilities.

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💼Employment(2)

Veterans' Hiring Preference Points

Any Veteran

5 or 10 points added to passing score on competitive examinations for Colorado state employment.

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Veteran Priority of Service at Workforce Centers

Any Veteran

Priority access to free job services through Veteran Employment Specialists at Colorado Workforce Centers.

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💰Compensation(2)

Colorado Wartime Veterans Bonus

Any Veteran

One-time bonus per qualifying wartime deployment for Colorado veterans (unverified -- see disclaimer).

Value: $250 per deployment

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Colorado Military Family Relief Fund

Any Veteran

Financial grants for Guard and Reserve members who experience income loss or emergency expenses during deployment.

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🚗Transportation(2)

Sales Tax Exemption on Adaptively Modified Vehicles

10%+

Exemption from state sales tax on vehicles modified with adaptive equipment for service-connected disability.

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Disabled Veteran Vehicle Registration & Ownership Tax Exemption

50%+

Exemption from vehicle registration fees and ownership tax on one vehicle for veterans rated 50%+ disabled.

Value: Full registration and ownership tax exemption on one vehicle

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🌲Recreation & Parks(4)

Military Appreciation Free State Park Entry (August & Veterans Day)

Any Veteran

Free entry to all Colorado state parks during August and on Veterans Day for all veterans and active-duty members.

Value: Free park admission

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Free Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License (50%+ Disability)

50%+

Free lifetime combination small game hunting and fishing license for veterans rated 50%+ disabled or Purple Heart recipients.

Value: Free lifetime license

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Free State Parks Access for Disabled Veterans

50%+

Free year-round entry to all 42 Colorado state parks for disabled veterans with qualifying license plates or Independence Pass.

Value: Free state park entry

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Free Fishing License (Hospitalized or Totally Disabled Veterans)

100%+

Free fishing license for veterans who are patients at VA/military facilities or permanently and totally disabled.

Value: Free fishing license

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Burial & Memorial(1)

Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado

Any Veteran

Free burial at the state cemetery in Grand Junction for eligible Colorado veterans and dependents.

Value: Free burial

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Colorado veterans.

RatingVeteran AloneWith Spouse
10%$180.42$180.42
20%$356.66$356.66
30%$552.47$617.47
40%$795.84$882.84
50%$1,132.90$1,241.90
60%$1,435.02$1,566.02
70%$1,808.45$1,961.45
80%$2,102.15$2,277.15
90%$2,362.30$2,559.30
100%$3,938.58$4,158.17

Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →

Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado Veteran Benefits

How many state veteran benefits does Colorado offer?
Colorado offers 18 state-level veteran benefits across categories including tax exemptions, education, housing, healthcare, employment assistance, and more. Benefits range from programs available to all veterans to those requiring a 100% VA disability rating.
What disability rating do I need for Colorado veteran benefits?
Colorado veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 12 benefits are available to any veteran regardless of rating. Others require ratings of 10% to 100%. Use VetUnlock's free tool to see exactly which benefits match your specific rating.
Does Colorado offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, Colorado offers 3 tax-related benefits for veterans. Military Retirement Pay State Income Tax Deduction: Subtract up to $15,000-$24,000 of military retirement pay from Colorado taxable income depending on age.
What education benefits are available to Colorado veterans?
Colorado offers 3 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: Colorado National Guard State Tuition Waiver Program, Dependent Tuition Waiver (POW/MIA/Deceased Guard Members), In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents.
How do I apply for Colorado veteran benefits?
Each Colorado veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of Colorado residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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