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Colorado benefits for Veterans and families, each checked against an official Colorado source and linked to it. Federal VA benefits work the same everywhere, and the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs) can help you apply for them at no cost.
12 benefits from official sourcesLast verified
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs)
How to read the labels:In effect confirmed on an official page. Not yet finalized announced or passed but not in force yet. Unverified — confirm with the agency we couldn't confirm it on an official page, so ask the agency.
Help from your state veterans office
County Veterans Service Offices
In effect
Every Colorado county has a Veterans Service Office that helps veterans and their families for free with VA claims, applications and appeals.
Who qualifies
Veterans and family members.
Amount or details
Free.
How to apply
Find your county office on the CVSO directory; Division of Veterans Affairs operations: 303-914-5832 (Lakewood).
Veteran with a Disability property tax exemption (and Gold Star spouse)
In effect
Veterans rated 100% permanent or granted individual unemployability get 50% of the first $200,000 of their home's actual value exempted. Qualifying surviving spouses and Gold Star spouses can also apply. The application window runs January 1 to July 1, with a late deadline of August 1.
Who qualifies
100% P&T or individual unemployability; owner-occupied since Jan 1 of the application year; certain surviving/Gold Star spouses.
Amount or details
50% of first $200,000 of actual value exempt.
How to apply
File with your county assessor between Jan 1 and July 1 and include a recent VA award letter.
Military retirement subtraction (under 55: up to $15,000)
In effect
Retirees under 55 at year-end can subtract up to $15,000 of military retirement pay, including for tax year 2026. Retirees 55 and older use the regular pension and annuity subtraction instead.
Who qualifies
Military retirees with retirement pay in federal taxable income.
Amount or details
Under 55: $15,000 (2022–2028); 55+: general pension subtraction.
Veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability can get one free Disabled Veteran plate through the DMV. Other military plates are available depending on branch and awards.
Who qualifies
50%+ service-connected disability.
Amount or details
One free DV plate.
How to apply
Apply through the Colorado DMV with the Military License Plate Application.
“Colorado statute allows eligible applicants to add a veteran indicator, military identifier or both to their driver license or ID card, if eligibility requirements are met.”
DTAP helps pay tuition at Colorado public colleges for dependents of Colorado National Guard members who died or were permanently disabled, and for dependents of POWs and service members missing in action.
Who qualifies
Dependents of deceased/permanently disabled CO National Guard, POW/MIA (C.R.S. 23-3.3-204/205).
Amount or details
Tuition assistance; enroll before age 24 and keep a 2.5 GPA.
How to apply
Apply through CDHE (DTAP.mailbox@dhe.state.co.us).
State hiring veterans' preference (Colo. Const. Art. XII §15)
In effect
Eligible veterans and disabled veterans get preference points on hiring for Colorado state personnel-system jobs. Preference doesn't apply to promotions.
Who qualifies
Veterans with qualifying service periods or campaign medals; veterans with service-connected disability compensation.
Veterans Trust Fund and Veterans Assistance Grants
In effect
The Division awards Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) and Veterans Assistance Grant (VAG) money to organizations that serve veterans. Veterans get help through those grantees. The FY2027 application window has closed.
Who qualifies
Organizations serving veterans (individuals benefit via grantees).
Free lifetime fishing or small game/fishing combo license (VA combo)
In effect
Colorado-resident veterans with a service-connected disability get a free lifetime fishing license or a lifetime small game and fishing combination license. Holders don't need to buy a Habitat Stamp.
Who qualifies
Colorado-resident veterans with a service-connected disability.
Amount or details
Free.
How to apply
Apply through CPW's Veteran License and Pass application.
“Colorado Parks and Wildlife is proud to offer a free Lifetime Fishing License or a Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination License (VA combo license) to veterans with a service-connected disability.”
Free Independence State Parks Pass; free entry on Veterans Day
In effect
Colorado-resident veterans rated 50% or more and Purple Heart recipients get a free Independence Pass to all state parks. Disabled Veteran and Purple Heart plates also get free entry with the veteran in the car. All veterans enter free on Veterans Day.
Who qualifies
50%+ service-connected (resident) or Purple Heart.
Amount or details
Free.
How to apply
Apply with CPW's Veteran License and Pass Application.
“The Independence Pass provides unlimited access to all Colorado state parks for Colorado resident veterans with service-connected disabilities and for Purple Heart Award recipients.”
The Colorado Department of Human Services runs five long-term care centers for veterans: Fitzsimons (Aurora), Florence, Homelake (Monte Vista), Rifle and Walsenburg. They serve honorably discharged veterans, their spouses or widows, and Gold Star parents.
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged veterans, spouses/widows, Gold Star parents.
Amount or details
Five centers.
How to apply
Contact the center's admissions office through CDHS.
“Colorado's five Veterans Community Living Centers are resident-centered long-term care and supportive living environments that serve honorably discharged veterans, their spouses/widows, and Gold Star parents”
Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado (Grand Junction)
In effect
The state veterans cemetery at 2830 Riverside Parkway in Grand Junction follows VA national cemetery eligibility, plus a Colorado residency requirement. Early registration is available.
Who qualifies
VA national cemetery eligibility plus Colorado residency.
“Eligibility for burial in the cemetery is the same as for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries but includes a residency requirement.”
This state page was last reviewed against official sources on November 1, 2026. Our watcher re-checks those pages automatically and flags any item whose quoted wording disappears.