Colorado offers a property tax exemption to eligible disabled Veterans and surviving spouses. The exemption is 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of their primary residence. Applicants must have owned and occupied the property as their primary residence on January 1st of the year they are claiming the exemption.
Who qualifies
To be eligible for the exemption applicants must meet the following requirements: Veteran who received an honorable discharge and has a 100% service-connected permanent disability rating, or an individually unemployable disability rating from the VA or their branch of service; Unremarried surviving spouse (Gold Star Spouse) of a service member who died in the line of duty and received a death gratuity from the Department of Defense; Unremarried surviving spouse of a Veteran, whose death was due to a service-connected injury or disease and is receiving Dependency Indemnity Compensation; Applicants who qualify for the property tax exemption must apply to their local county assessor’s office between January 1 and July 1 of the year they qualify. Once granted, applicants are not required to reapply from the same address unless their VA status changes (for example, a change in the Veteran's d
How to apply
To be eligible for the exemption applicants must meet the following requirements: Veteran who received an honorable discharge and has a 100% service-connected permanent disability rating, or an individually unemployable disability rating from the VA or their branch of service; Unremarried surviving spouse (Gold Star Spouse) of a service member who died in the line of duty and received a death gratuity from the Department of Defense; Unremarried surviving spouse of a Veteran, whose death was due
Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty (and of qualifying disabled veterans) may get the same 50%-of-first-$200,000 exemption.
Retired service members may claim one of two subtractions for all or part of their military retired pay (must have been included in their federal taxable income). The amount of the subtraction depends on the retired service member’s age at the end of the tax year. Retired Service Members Under Age 55: May claim a military retired pay subtraction up to $15,000 Retired Service Members Age 55 or Older: May claim a military retired pay subtraction up to the following amounts: 55 but less than 65 years old - $20,000; At least 65 years old - $24,000
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Military disability retirement pay received as a pension, annuity or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments which are considered disability benefits include: Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families; Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living; Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs, or; Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program; See for more information.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
DIC is a tax free benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Colorado Taxes on Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), and Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) Annuities
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Survivors who receive an annuity based on the death of a service member or Veteran may claim a subtraction from their state taxes. The amount of the subtraction depends on the survivor’s age at the end of the tax year. Survivors Under age 65: May claim a subtraction up to $20,000 Survivors 65 or Older: May claim a subtraction up to $24,000
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Veteran and Military Identifier on Colorado Driver License and ID Cards
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Colorado offers a military and Veteran identifier on Colorado driver licenses and ID cards to honorably discharged resident Veterans and service members. The identifier will also indicate the Veteran’s or service member’s branch of service Applicants are required to provide one of the following documents as proof of eligibility: Original DD214, member copy #4; Valid military retired ID card; Valid common access card (for service members); Once the Veteran or military identifier has been added to a driver license or ID card, additional documentation is not required at renewal. Applications…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Colorado offers 40 distinctive license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, Veterans, Retired service members, and certain family members. Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. These license plates are available for passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds (empty weight), noncommercial recreation vehicles, motor homes, and motorcycles. There is no limit on the number of plates that may be issued. All military and Veteran license plates use the . Colorado offers ownership taxes and registration fee exemptions for one…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Specific eligibility and documentation requirements will apply. All military and Veteran license plates are available with the universal access symbol and requires the applicant to submit the .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Military and Veterans Benefits
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Colorado state parks admit active duty, veterans and National Guard members free on Veterans Day.
Who qualifies
To qualify for the Independence Pass, applicants must be a Colorado resident and provide a letter from the VA stating they were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces and receiving compensation for one of the following: 50% or greater disability (if there are multiple ratings, the combined rating must equal 50% or greater); Loss of use of one or both hands or feet; Permanent loss of vision in both eyes; Purple Heart recipients must provide a Purple Heart Certificate or DD214 showing they received the Purple Heart. All applicants must have lived in Colorado for six consecutive months before they apply and must have a valid Colorado driver license or ID card. Applications and required documentation can be emailed to disability.apps@state.co.us , or submitted in-person or by mail to: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Attn: Independence Pass 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 Colorado Hunting
How to apply
This discount does not apply on Fridays, weekends and holidays, or for cabins or yurts. All applicants must have lived in Colorado for six consecutive months before they apply and must have a valid Colorado driver license or ID card.
Colorado Free Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination License for Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients
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Colorado offers a free lifetime combination fishing and small-game hunting license to eligible disabled Veterans and Purple Heart recipients. Eligible Veterans can choose to only apply for the fishing license if they so desire.
Who qualifies
Resident Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more and Purple Heart recipients are eligible. Disabled Veterans must provide a letter from the VA stating they were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces and receiving compensation for a 50% or greater service-connected disability. Purple Heart recipients must provide a Purple Heart Certificate or their DD214 which indicates they received the Purple Heart. All applicants must have lived in Colorado for six consecutive months prior to applying and must have a valid Colorado driver license or ID card. Applications and required documentation can be emailed to disability.apps@state.co.us , submitted online at cpwshop.com (new users will be required to create an account), or by mail to: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Attn: VA Program 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 For more information, please call 303-291-7235
How to apply
Eligible Veterans can choose to only apply for the fishing license if they so desire.
Service Members Can Test Out of Colorado Hunter Education Requirements
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Service members serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and Veterans who do not have a hunter education card from Colorado or another state can test out of the Colorado hunter education requirements. The test may only be taken once and must be passed with a score of 90% or better. Those who do not score at least 90% must attend a hunter education class or use an . The cost of the test is $34.95 and must be completed online in one session within 30 minutes.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Colorado Special Waterfowl Season Dates for Service Members and Veterans
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Colorado has special waterfowl season dates only for Veterans and service members serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. Please visit the “Learn more…” link below for a list of dates and locations.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Please visit the “Learn more…” link below for a list of dates and locations.
Colorado Operation Recognition High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans
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Operation Recognition will provide high school diplomas to Colorado Veterans who left high school before receiving a diploma to serve in World War II (WWII), Korea or Vietnam.
Who qualifies
Veteran Eligibility requirements: Served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII, Korea, or Vietnam and received an honorable discharge; Left high school before graduating to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces; 60 years old or older; Did not receive high school diploma (may hold a GED); At the time of request lives in Colorado, or; At the time of leaving high school to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, lived in Colorado; Diplomas may be awarded posthumously; To apply please contact the school district where the Veteran lives, or the school district where they were attending high school prior to joining the U.S. Armed Forces.
How to apply
Armed Forces, lived in Colorado; Diplomas may be awarded posthumously; To apply please contact the school district where the Veteran lives, or the school district where they were attending high school prior to joining the U.S.
Colorado Residency for Tuition Purposes for Nonresident Service Members, Veterans and their Families
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Nonresident Veterans, active duty service members, service member serving in the Colorado National Guard and their dependents may qualify for residency for tuition purposes.
Who qualifies
Colorado residency for tuition purposes requirements: Colorado National Guard Service Member and Dependents: Colorado National Guard Service member stationed in Colorado; Physical residence in Colorado; Active Duty Service Member: Nonresident service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who are stationed in Colorado on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders or on temporary duty (TDY/TAD) are eligible for residency for tuition purposes. Active Duty Dependent: A dependent of an active duty service member currently stationed in Colorado must meet the following requirements: Dependent at the time the service member was stationed in Colorado; Biological or legally adopted child; A dependent of a current or former service member who is no longer stationed in Colorado must meet the following requirements: Enrolled in a Colorado institution of higher education within 12 year
How to apply
Armed Forces; DD214 dated on or before the first day of the school term; Have made or will make Colorado their permanent residence on or before the first day of the school term; A Veteran's dependent must meet the following requirements: Veteran spouse/parent was stationed in Colorado within the last 12 years; Biological or adopted child; Spouse who was married to the service member when they were stationed in Colorado and when they apply for instate tuition; Residency for Veterans Using Vocatio
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Active Duty Dependent: A dependent of an active duty service member currently stationed in Colorado must meet the following requirements: Dependent at the time the service member was stationed in Colorado; Biological or legally adopted child; A dependent of a current or former service member who is no longer stationed in Colorado must meet the following requirements: Enrolled in a Colorado institu
Colorado offers Veterans’ hiring preference for eligible Veterans and their spouses when they apply for state employment. Preference does not apply for promotions. Preference is applied by adding points to an applicant’s passing score on competitive examinations for employment Five preference points are awarded to individuals who meet the following requirements: Veterans who received an honorable discharge from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training) during the following time periods: During a declared war, an undeclared war, or other armed hostilities…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Colorado offers Veterans’ hiring preference for eligible Veterans and their spouses when they apply for state employment. Preference does not apply for promotions.
Colorado private employers are authorized by Colorado law to have a Veterans’ preference policy when hiring. The policy must be in writing and applied uniformly in all hiring decisions.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Colorado Professional License Benefits for Service Members, Veterans and their Spouses
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The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) licenses and regulates more than 50 licensed professions and occupations and is committed to providing professional support and customer service to service members, Veterans and their spouses. In certain cases, renewal fees may be waived for service members, and they can have military training and education count towards qualifications for licensure or certification. Military spouses may receive special consideration when obtaining a Colorado professional license. : Service…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Applicants must submit a copy of their official orders or other official documentation that clearly identifies how they meet these requirements to dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us . Additionally, many professions and occupations have adopted rules or policies specifically designed to assist service members and Veterans to apply their training, service, and education toward a licensed profession.
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Veteran Employment Specialists help eligible Veterans and their spouses who are seeking employment. Their goal is to provide Veterans with the information necessary to make confident career choices. All their services are free of charge. Eligible Veterans and their spouses receive in all Colorado Workforce Centers. The Veteran Employment Specialists can also provide intensive services to Veterans and eligible spouses facing significant barriers to employment. Veteran Employment Specialists will provide one-on-one assistance in the following…
Who qualifies
To be eligible Veterans must have served at least one day on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable or the spouse of an eligible Veteran. For more information, please contact the nearest Colorado Workforce Center.
How to apply
For more information, please contact the nearest Colorado Workforce Center.
$10,000 to $260,000 coverage available for service members; $5,000 to $155,000 available for spouses; $5,000 to $35,000 available for children; Coverage continues until age 70; Provides an emergency death benefit up to $25,000 within 24 hours; Benefits remain the same, and monthly costs do not change when service members retire or separate from the National Guard; No war, aviation, or terrorism clauses; Protection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on or off duty; Monthly contributions are payroll deducted; In addition, participating service member’s families are eligible for the Family…
Who qualifies
Colorado National Guard Service members and their dependents are eligible for SSLI. For more information, please call 800-462-7441 or email info@ssli.org .
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Colorado has five Veterans Community Living Centers that provide resident-centered long-term care and a supportive living environment for Veterans and their eligible family members. 1919 Quentin Street Aurora, CO 80045 Phone: 720-857-6400 903 Moore Drive Florence, CO 81226 Phone: 800-283-2668 or 719-784-6331 Fax: 719-784-5335 3749 Sherman Avenue Monte Vista, CO 81144 Phone: 888-838-2687 or 719-852-5118 Fax: 719-852-3881 Email: CDHS_csvc_homelake@state.co.us 851 E. 5th Street Rifle, CO 81650 Phone: 800-828-4580 or 970-625-0842 Fax: 970-625-3706 23500 U.S. Hwy. 160 Walsenburg, CO 81089…
Who qualifies
Honorably discharged Veterans, their spouse or surviving spouse, and the parents of a service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for admission at a Colorado Veterans Community Living Centers. Admission forms for all Colorado Veterans Community Living Centers are located at the “Admission Forms for Individual Facilities” tab located at the “Learn more…” link below.
How to apply
160 Walsenburg, CO 81089 Phone: 800-645-8387 or 719-738-5000 Fax: 719-738-5138 Colorado Veterans Community Living Centers offer the following services: Long-Term Care - Skilled nursing care, speech, physical and occupational therapies, social activities, activities of daily life assistance; Short-Term Rehabilitation - Improve physical strength, endurance and aerobic capacity through Medicare-Certified rehabilitation services following a hospital stay; Domiciliary Care (Assisted Living) - Veteran
The Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, located in Grand Junction, Colorado offers a dignified final resting place for Colorado Veterans and their eligible family members. There is no charge for burial in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. The cemetery will provide the following: Gravesite or niche; Opening and closing of the grave site; Upright granite headstone or niche marker with inscription; Concrete grave liner for casketed remains; Use of Committal Shelter and Visitors' Center; Perpetual care of the gravesite;
Who qualifies
Eligibility requirements for the burial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado are the same as for VA National Cemeteries, with the exception of a requirement to be a Colorado resident. Exact eligibility requirements can be viewed at the . The following are the general eligibility requirements: Discharged from active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable, or; Died while serving on active duty, or; Served at least 20 years in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and is eligible for military retired pay (or would have been eligible except their death occurred before age 60), or; Reserve component service members if they were activated for federal service, (active duty for training does not qualify); Spouses and dependents (burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 years old, or 23 years old if
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Colorado Veterans Trust Fund and Veterans Assistance Grants
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The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides grants to help organizations that support Veterans. The types of programs may include transportation programs, food and shelter for homeless Veterans and their families, incarcerated Veterans' programs, homeless stand downs, job assistance programs and other programs that provide a "direct service" to Veterans. Two forms of grants are offered: Veterans Assistance Grant to assist nonprofit organizations with a 501(c) status other than 19 or 23 and governmental entities; Veterans Trust Fund Grant for nationally recognized…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Two forms of grants are offered: Veterans Assistance Grant to assist nonprofit organizations with a 501(c) status other than 19 or 23 and governmental entities; Veterans Trust Fund Grant for nationally recognized Veterans organizations with 501(c) 19 or 23 statuses; Application Instructions are typically available on 1 December. Applications are only accepted through the online portal and will be available at the “Learn more…” link below during the application submission window, generally from t
