State file · CO
Veteran benefits in Colorado
Colorado lets retirees exclude a large share of military retirement pay from state income tax, exempts half the value of a disabled veteran's home, and runs five state veterans homes from the Front Range to the San Luis Valley.
Back to the state mapColorado file
Financial benefits
Retired military pay exclusion
Veterans aged 55 to 64 may exclude up to $20,000 of military retirement benefits from state income tax each year; those 65 and older may exclude up to $24,000.
Disabled veteran property tax exemption
Qualifying disabled veterans and seniors have 50 percent of the first $200,000 of the actual value of their primary residence exempted from property tax.
DIC and survivor benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payments are tax-free, while military Survivor Benefit Plan payments are generally subject to state income tax.
Property tax deferral
Seniors and active military members can defer property tax payments through state-backed liens.
Non-resident filing for overseas service
Service members stationed outside the United States for 305 days or more may elect to file as non-residents.
Sales tax picture
The statewide rate is 2.9%, with local additions of up to 8.3%; the combined average is roughly 6.19%.
Recreation
Free lifetime hunting & fishing license
Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating receive a free lifetime combination small-game hunting and fishing license; active duty members stationed in Colorado pay resident rates.
State park admission
Colorado state parks are free to veterans on Veterans Day and during August, and veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating receive discounted admission year-round.
Education programs
Colorado National Guard tuition assistance
Covers up to 100% of tuition, not to exceed $4,250 or $475 per credit hour.
Operation Recognition
Awards high school diplomas to World War II, Korea, and Vietnam-era veterans who left school for military service.
Resident tuition rates
In-state tuition is available for veterans, active duty members, and their dependents.
Interstate Compact for military children
The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children provides enrollment and placement protections for military-connected students.
Veteran housing
Colorado State Veterans Homes
Colorado operates five state veterans community living centers — in Aurora, Florence, Homelake, Rifle, and Walsenburg. Admission requires an honorable discharge, and spouses and Gold Star parents are also eligible.
Employment & job training
State hiring preference
Veterans receive 5 additional points on state employment exams; those with a service-connected disability receive 10 points.
Paid military leave
State employees receive 15 days of paid military leave annually.
Professional licensure support
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) supports professional licensure for veterans and military spouses.
USERRA protections
Federal law protects the civilian job rights and benefits of service members and reservists returning from duty.
Burials & memorials
National cemeteries in Colorado
Colorado is home to Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, and Fort Lyon National Cemetery in Las Animas.
VA resources in Colorado
Denver Regional Office
The VA regional office serving Colorado, located in Lakewood, alongside the Continental District office.
Official siteBefore you apply
- First-time applicants generally need a copy of their DD-214 or discharge paperwork — keep certified copies somewhere safe.
- Most programs require a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may bar eligibility.
- “Active service” has a specific definition for many programs — training periods don’t always count. When in doubt, ask the agency directly.
Colorado file open
Questions about what applies to you?
Programs are one thing — your situation is another. Tell us where you are and we'll help you get oriented, in plain language.