COLORADO STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
COLORADO NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATION BENEFITS
Members of Colorado’s National Guard are eligible for state tuition assistance, including up to 100% tuition paid at any Colorado state-funded school, subject to availability funds.
- May be used with Federal Tuition Assistance
- Application deadlines for each term apply
- Colorado National Guard members must serve 2 years for every year of tuition assistance
COLORADO STATE VETERAN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Colorado gives eligible veterans preference in state employment by adding additional points to the examination scores.
Successful exam scores get 5 extra points if:
- Veterans who were honorably discharged after serving during a time of war or who have received a campaign medal, no disability required
- The spouse of a Veteran with service-connected disability who is unable to work because of this disability
- The unmarried spouse of a veteran who is deceased and either was, or would have been, entitled to receive preference points
Ten points are awarded to honorably-discharged Veterans currently receiving VA disability or pension.
COLORADO VETERAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Property Tax Exemption
Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disabilities receive a Property Tax Exemption for 50% of the first $200,000 of a home’s assessed value. Veterans receiving 100% disability through an individual unemployability rating do not qualify.
Income Tax
- Colorado does not require active duty military to pay tax on their military pay if they are stationed and spend at least 305 days outside the continental U.S.
- Spouses can be exempt too they also remain outside the continental US for at least 305 days
- Colorado allows military retirees ages 55 through 64 to exclude up to $20,000 of their retirement pay from taxable income
- Military retirees aged 65 and over in Colorado can exclude up to $24,000 retirement pay from their taxable income
Military Family Relief Fund
The Military Family Relief Fund grants financial assistance to National Guard members and Reservists to ease the impact of their deployment or mobilization on family members when they are called to active duty or serve in a combat zone. This relief fund grant offsets expenses for utilities, food, housing and medical care.
COLORADO VETERAN RECREATION BENEFITS
Hunting & Fishing License
- Disabled Veterans with permanent service-connected disability of 60% or more, and who are Colorado residents, receive lifetime small-game hunting and fishing combination licenses free of charge
- Resident patients at Colorado VA hospitals receive lifetime small-game hunting and fishing combination licenses free of charge
- Military personnel stationed in Colorado and their families can get hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates
- Active duty military who are legally residents but stationed outside Colorado may fish without a license while home on temporary leave in Colorado
State Park Admission
- All residents and non-residents who are active-duty military or veterans enjoy free admittance to any Colorado state park during August and on Veterans Day
- Disabled Veterans with a disabled license plate receive are admitted free of charge to all state parks and state recreation areas
- Colorado residents who are disabled veterans with at least a 60% disability rating can receive a Columbine pass for discounted admission to all state parks
COLORADO STATE VETERANS HOME
Colorado operates five veterans’ homes that provide round-the-clock nursing care, physicians, restorative therapies, meals, transportation and various activities for residents, at an all-inclusive rate. Honorably-discharged Veterans, their spouses and widows, and ‘Gold Star’ parents may apply for admission. Aurora, Florence, Homelake, Rifle and Walsenburg all host a State Veterans Home.
COLORADO STATE VETERANS’ CEMETERY
Colorado operates one state veterans’ cemetery. Eligibility for internment in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction follows the guidelines for VA national cemeteries except there is a Colorado residency requirement.
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Colorado Department of Military and Veteran Affairs website.
