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Colorado Veteran benefits

27 benefits from Colorado for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Colorado

Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Division of Veterans Affairs is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 303-914-5832 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Colorado's list of local offices
Your VA disability rating
Who is it for?

27 benefits

Property tax

  • 70%+

    Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

    Colorado exempts half the value of a qualifying disabled veteran's home from property tax. It covers the first $200,000 of the home's actual value and is paid for by the state, not the veteran.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 70% or higher, or paid at the 100% rate through TDIU (also called IU). Served on active duty at least 24 months with an Honorable Discharge and has a service-connected disability rated 100% Permanent and Total by the VA, or is rated 70%+ but paid at the 100% (TDIU) rate; must own and occupy home as primary residence since January 1.
    How to apply
    File the Property Tax Exemption Application for Qualifying Veterans with a Disability, with VA Benefit Summary Letter, at the county assessor's office between January 1 and July 1.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Property Tax Deferral for Active Military Personnel

    Colorado lets active-duty National Guard and Reserve members postpone (not eliminate) payment of property taxes on their primary home while called to service, as a low-interest state loan repaid later.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Person called into military service (Guard/Reserve ordered to active duty) who owns and occupies the property as a primary residence; seniors 65+ also qualify under the same program.
    How to apply
    Apply through the county treasurer's office; the Colorado Department of the Treasury administers the loan program, with applications accepted between January 1 and April 1.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Gold Star Spouse and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption

    Surviving spouses of service members killed in the line of duty, or of veterans who previously qualified for the disabled veteran exemption, can receive the same 50% property tax exemption on their home.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Gold Star Spouses: spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from service-connected causes, remarriage does not disqualify. Surviving Spouses: spouse of a veteran who previously received the exemption, has not remarried and still lives in the same home.
    How to apply
    Submit the Gold Star Spouse Application or Surviving Spouse Application to the county assessor's office; applications with VA documentation are due between January 1 and July 1.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

  • No rating needed

    Military Retirement Benefits Income Tax Subtraction (Under Age 55)

    Colorado lets retired service members under 55 subtract a limited amount of their military retirement pay from state taxable income, reducing the state tax owed on that pension.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Retired servicemember who is under 55 years of age at the end of the tax year and has military retirement benefits included in federal taxable income.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on the DR 0104AD Subtractions from Income schedule filed with the Colorado individual income tax return (Form DR 0104).
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Pension and Annuity Subtraction for Military Retirees Age 55+

    Military retirees age 55 and older use Colorado's general pension and annuity subtraction instead of the under-55 military subtraction, letting them exclude a capped amount of retirement income from state tax.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Taxpayer at least 55 years of age at the end of the tax year with pension, annuity, or retirement benefits (including military retirement) included in federal taxable income.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on the DR 0104AD Subtractions from Income schedule filed with the Colorado individual income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Reacquisition of Colorado Residency Active-Duty Pay Subtraction

    A former Colorado resident who reacquires Colorado residency while on active duty can subtract active-duty military pay included in federal taxable income from their Colorado taxable income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active-duty servicemember who has reacquired Colorado residency and receives compensation for active-duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces that is included in federal taxable income.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on the DR 0104AD Subtractions from Income schedule filed with the Colorado individual income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Military Family Relief Fund Grant Income Tax Subtraction

    Any grant money a military family receives from Colorado's Military Family Relief Fund can be subtracted from state taxable income if it was included in federal taxable income.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Recipient of a Military Family Relief Fund grant whose grant amount was included in federal taxable income.
    How to apply
    Claim the subtraction on the DR 0104AD Subtractions from Income schedule filed with the Colorado individual income tax return.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

  • 50%+

    Disabled Veteran (D.V.) License Plate

    Colorado issues a special Disabled Veteran license plate, marked "D.V.," to qualifying disabled veterans, which can also carry fee exemptions for vehicle registration.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Veteran with a service-connected disability of 50% or more as verified by a qualification letter or Benefits Summary from the VA or branch of service; owner, co-owner, trust beneficiary or lessee of the vehicle.
    How to apply
    Submit Form DR 2002 (Military License Plate Application) with VA qualification letter to the county motor vehicle office or the Division of Motor Vehicles.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Exempt Military Award License Plates (Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, POW, etc.)

    Colorado offers a set of fee-exempt military license plates, including Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Former Prisoner of War and several combat-decoration plates, issued through the state Division of Motor Vehicles.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran who can document receipt of the specific award or status (e.g., Purple Heart Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Former POW status, Pearl Harbor Survivor) via DD214 or award certificate.
    How to apply
    Submit Form DR 2002 (Military License Plate Application) with proof of the award (DD214, orders, or award certificate) to the county motor vehicle office or Division of Motor Vehicles.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card

    Colorado allows eligible veterans and current service members to add a "Veteran" indicator or a military branch identifier to their driver license or state ID card.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applicant who served or is currently serving in the U.S. military and can present qualifying discharge or service documentation; only one branch identifier may be added.
    How to apply
    Request the veteran or military identifier when applying for or renewing a driver license or ID card at a DMV office, presenting the required service documentation.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

  • No rating needed

    Columbine Annual Parks Pass for Total/Permanent Disability

    Colorado residents, including veterans, with a total and permanent disability can buy a discounted annual state parks pass under the Columbine Pass program set by state law.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Colorado resident with a documented total and/or permanent disability, verified with qualifying documentation under CPW rules; a federal disability pass alone is not sufficient proof.
    How to apply
    Complete the Columbine Pass application with required disability documentation and submit to Colorado Parks and Wildlife; allow about 15 business days for processing.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Free August Admission Pass for Veterans and Service Members

    Every August, Colorado Parks and Wildlife gives veterans and current service members a free pass for admission (not camping) to any Colorado state park or recreation area.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. All active duty, reserve, and Colorado National Guard members, and veterans other than those with a dishonorable discharge; the service member/veteran must be in the vehicle.
    How to apply
    Obtain the free Military August Pass in person at any CPW office or state park beginning in July; passes are not available by phone or through license agents.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • Any rating

    Free State Park Entry with Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart Plates

    Vehicles displaying a Colorado Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plate get free year-round entry to all Colorado state parks, though camping and other fees still apply.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Vehicle owner holding a current Colorado Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart license plate; the veteran must be present in the vehicle.
    How to apply
    No separate application; entry is granted automatically at the gate upon verification of the qualifying license plate.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Independence Parks Pass for Disabled Veterans

    Colorado gives disabled resident veterans a free annual Independence Pass for unlimited state park admission, and pass holders over 64 get discounted mid-week camping.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Colorado resident veteran with an Honorable Discharge and a qualification letter showing a 50% or greater service-connected permanent disability, loss of use of a foot or hand, or loss of vision in both eyes.
    How to apply
    Submit a DD214 and a VA/branch-of-service qualification letter with the Veteran's License and Pass Application to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • 50%+

    Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combo License (VA Combo)

    Colorado gives a free lifetime combination fishing and small game hunting license, plus exemption from the annual Habitat Stamp, to veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Colorado resident veteran with a VA-rated service-connected disability of 50% or more (Purple Heart recipients also qualify); must complete hunter safety course if born in 1949 or later.
    How to apply
    Submit the Veteran's License and Pass Application with a VA disability letter to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Resident-Rate Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Active-Duty Military

    Active-duty military personnel stationed in Colorado and their family members can buy Colorado hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates even if they are not permanent state residents.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Active duty (not reserve or National Guard unless federally activated) personnel stationed in Colorado under permanent orders, and their dependents.
    How to apply
    Show proof of active-duty military orders when purchasing a resident-rate hunting or fishing license from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

  • No rating needed

    Colorado National Guard Tuition Waiver Program

    Current members of the Colorado Army and Air National Guard get their tuition waived at designated Colorado public colleges, with the state and school splitting the cost after other financial aid is applied.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Member of the Colorado National Guard accepted for enrollment at a Designated Institution of Higher Education; must apply each enrollment period and complete the FAFSA/CASFA.
    How to apply
    Apply online during the designated open-enrollment window (e.g., Fall enrollment typically opens June 1) through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs tuition waiver portal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Dependent Tuition Assistance Program (DTAP)

    DTAP pays undergraduate tuition costs at Colorado public colleges for the dependents of Colorado National Guard members who died or were permanently disabled, as well as dependents of certain POW/MIA service members.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Qualified dependent of a deceased or permanently disabled Colorado National Guardsman, or of a prisoner of war or person missing in action; must enroll before age 24, keep a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and not marry while participating.
    How to apply
    Complete the FAFSA and annual renewal, and submit required documentation (award letters, death certificate, or commanding officer verification) through the Colorado Department of Higher Education's secure portal.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • Certain disabilitiesFor family or survivors

    Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Qualified Veterans

    Colorado law creates a full tuition and fee waiver at state colleges and universities for dependents of veterans who were killed in action, are missing in action or POW, or died or were rated unemployable due to a service-connected disability.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Dependent (spouse, surviving spouse, or child claimed as a tax dependent) of a veteran who was killed in action, died in active service, is MIA/POW, died from a war-related disability, or was determined unemployable (TDIU) due to service-connected disability.
    or veteran killed in action, died in active service, MIA/POW, or died from war-related disability
    How to apply
    Complete the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) or FAFSA and apply through the institution once the Colorado Commission on Higher Education's policy takes effect.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

  • No rating needed

    Authorization for Private Employer Veterans' Hiring Preference Policies

    Colorado law lets private employers legally adopt a written policy preferring veterans and certain spouses in hiring, protecting the employer from discrimination claims when the policy is applied uniformly.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Applies to veterans of the armed forces or National Guard, and to the spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty; the policy must require DD214 proof of service and be public for at least 14 days before use.
    How to apply
    Not an individual benefit application; private employers adopt and publish a written Veterans' Preference Hiring Policy under C.R.S. 8-1-153.
    Official page

    Last checked October 26, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans' Preference in State Government Hiring

    The Colorado Constitution requires state and comparable local government hiring processes to add preference points to the exam or comparative scores of qualifying veterans, disabled veterans, and certain spouses.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans who served during a declared or undeclared war, campaign, or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized; higher preference applies to veterans with a service-connected disability who receive compensation or disability retirement benefits.
    How to apply
    Submit a DD214 with a state job application so the hiring agency can evaluate and apply preference points to the applicant's score.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

  • Any rating

    Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) State Contracting Goal

    Colorado law sets a statewide goal that at least 3% of state contract dollars be awarded to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, helping such firms compete for state procurement work.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Business must be registered and verified as an SDVOSB by the U.S. Small Business Administration and located (incorporated, organized, or maintaining an office) in Colorado; only direct contracts with the state count toward the goal.
    How to apply
    Register as a vendor with the state and obtain SDVOSB verification through the SBA; list the business on the Colorado Supplier Diversity Directory.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

  • No rating needed

    CHFA Military & Veteran Mortgage Program

    The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority gives an extra interest-rate discount on its already below-market home loans to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans buying a home in Colorado. Assistance amounts, rates, and funding availability change often, so confirm the program is still offered and get current terms from the agency before relying on it.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans who qualify for a CHFA first mortgage loan through a participating lender; standard CHFA income and purchase-price limits apply.
    How to apply
    Apply through a CHFA-participating lender and request the Military & Veteran Mortgage Program discount when originating a CHFA loan.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Colorado Veterans Community Living Centers (State Veterans Homes)

    The state operates five long-term care homes for veterans in Aurora, Florence, Homelake, Rifle and Walsenburg, offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care and hospice services.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans are given admission priority; spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents of a service member who died while serving are also eligible for admission.
    How to apply
    Submit a pre-admission application packet (medical assessment, service verification, financial report) directly to the individual Living Center or through a County Veteran Service Officer.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Homelake Military Veterans Cemetery

    Colorado maintains a state veterans cemetery at the Homelake veterans center in Monte Vista, providing burial and interment for honorably discharged veterans who were Colorado residents at death, plus eligible spouses and dependent parents.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. armed forces and was a Colorado resident at the time of death; spouse, surviving spouse, or dependent parent of an honorably discharged veteran may also be interred.
    How to apply
    Contact the Homelake Veterans Community Living Center or the Colorado Department of Human Services to arrange interment or reserve a plot.
    Official page

    Last checked September 28, 2026.

  • No rating needed

    Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado

    Authorized by the Colorado Legislature, this state veterans cemetery in Grand Junction offers burial and memorialization for Colorado veterans and their eligible family members, with eligibility mirroring VA national cemetery rules plus a residency requirement.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Eligibility mirrors VA national cemetery rules but includes a Colorado residency requirement; eligible spouses, surviving spouses, and certain missing-in-action family members may also be interred.
    How to apply
    Call the cemetery office to schedule an interment, Monday through Friday excluding state and federal holidays.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Money, grants and bonuses

  • No rating neededFor family or survivors

    Military Family Relief Fund Emergency Grants

    Colorado's Military Family Relief Fund gives grants to Colorado National Guard and Reserve families to help replace lost income or cover food, housing, utilities and medical costs when a service member is mobilized.

    Who qualifies
    Rating: No disability rating needed. Colorado National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve service member (or their family) currently on active military duty for a minimum of thirty days on mobilization orders, and a Colorado resident for income tax purposes.
    How to apply
    Submit the Military Family Relief Fund application with supporting documents (orders, LES, receipts) to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; applications are reviewed at a monthly committee meeting.
    Official page

    Last checked September 27, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.