Colorado Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Colorado, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Colorado veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Colorado combines full military retirement pay exemption with a veteran community anchored by major installations like Fort Carson, Buckley Space Force Base, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Schriever Space Force Base. In 2024, Colorado voters expanded the disabled veteran property tax exemption to include IU-rated veterans.
Getting help in Colorado
Accredited claims help
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
Phone: (303) 914-5832
155 Van Gordon, Suite 201, Lakewood, CO 80228
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
Every county in Colorado is required by law to have a veterans service office.
County Veterans Service Offices
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
50% exemption on first $200,000 for 100% permanently disabled or IU veterans
Veterans with a service-connected disability rated 100% and permanent, or with individual unemployability (IU) status, receive a 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of their primary residence's value. Amendment G (approved Nov 2024) expanded eligibility to IU veterans starting with property tax year 2025. Gold Star spouses also eligible. Apply to the county assessor between January 1 and July 1 with a VA Benefit Summary Letter.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay fully exempt
Colorado fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Free lifetime small game and fishing license for 50%+ disabled veterans or Purple Heart recipients
Colorado residents who are Purple Heart recipients or have a service-connected disability with a combined VA rating of 50% or more can get a free Lifetime Fishing License or Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination License. It stays valid as long as the holder keeps Colorado residency, holders do not buy the annual Habitat Stamp, and it can be used as a qualifying license to apply for the primary and secondary draws.
Education Benefits
In-state tuition for veterans; tuition assistance for dependents of KIA/MIA/POW
Veterans receive in-state tuition at Colorado public institutions. Dependents of veterans killed, missing in action, or prisoners of war receive free tuition at state schools.
Employment & Hiring Preference
Veterans preference in state hiring
Colorado grants veterans preference in state classified civil service positions. Disabled veterans and Gold Star spouses receive additional preference. Colorado also runs the Veterans Service-to-Career program through its workforce centers.
Vehicles & DMV
Free disabled veteran license plates
Free "Disabled Veteran" license plates for veterans with service-connected disability.
State Parks
Free Independence Pass for 50%+ disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients
Colorado Parks and Wildlife issues the Independence Pass free to Colorado residents who receive VA compensation for a 50% or greater disability rating, loss of use of one or both hands or feet, or permanent loss of vision in both eyes, and to Purple Heart recipients. It gives unlimited access to all Colorado state parks, is valid for 12 months, and is renewed each year after a one-time application.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Colorado State Veterans Community Living Centers
Colorado operates 5 State Veterans Community Living Centers (Homelake, Fitzsimons, Rifle, Walsenburg, Florence) providing skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care for eligible veterans.
Veterans in Colorado
Colorado is home to over 350,000 veterans. The Colorado Springs area alone hosts Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the Air Force Academy, creating a veteran community that shapes the region's economy and culture. Colorado's five State Veterans Community Living Centers provide long-term care options across the state, and the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs maintains a network of veteran service officers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Veteran Benefits
Does Colorado offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
50% exemption on first $200,000 for 100% permanently disabled or IU veterans. Veterans with a service-connected disability rated 100% and permanent, or with individual unemployability (IU) status, receive a 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of their primary residence's value. Amendment G (approved Nov 2024) expanded eligibility to IU veterans starting with property tax year 2025. Gold Star spouses also eligible. Apply to the county assessor between January 1 and July 1 with a VA Benefit Summary Letter.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Colorado?
Military retirement pay fully exempt. Colorado fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax as of 2024. VA disability compensation is also tax-free.
What education benefits does Colorado offer veterans?
In-state tuition for veterans; tuition assistance for dependents of KIA/MIA/POW. Veterans receive in-state tuition at Colorado public institutions. Dependents of veterans killed, missing in action, or prisoners of war receive free tuition at state schools.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Colorado?
Free lifetime small game and fishing license for 50%+ disabled veterans or Purple Heart recipients. Colorado residents who are Purple Heart recipients or have a service-connected disability with a combined VA rating of 50% or more can get a free Lifetime Fishing License or Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination License. It stays valid as long as the holder keeps Colorado residency, holders do not buy the annual Habitat Stamp, and it can be used as a qualifying license to apply for the primary and secondary draws.
Does Colorado give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Veterans preference in state hiring. Colorado grants veterans preference in state classified civil service positions. Disabled veterans and Gold Star spouses receive additional preference. Colorado also runs the Veterans Service-to-Career program through its workforce centers.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Colorado?
Colorado State Veterans Community Living Centers. Colorado operates 5 State Veterans Community Living Centers (Homelake, Fitzsimons, Rifle, Walsenburg, Florence) providing skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care for eligible veterans.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Colorado?
Free Independence Pass for 50%+ disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. Colorado Parks and Wildlife issues the Independence Pass free to Colorado residents who receive VA compensation for a 50% or greater disability rating, loss of use of one or both hands or feet, or permanent loss of vision in both eyes, and to Purple Heart recipients. It gives unlimited access to all Colorado state parks, is valid for 12 months, and is renewed each year after a one-time application.
Want the full picture?
Colorado benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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