Colorado veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 31 Colorado programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Colorado; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Burial
Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado
A state veterans cemetery in Grand Junction that provides interment at no expense to the next of kin, including the gravesite, opening and closing, and a headstone or niche marker.
Who it may help: Eligibility follows VA national cemetery rules with a Colorado residency requirement. Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, certain Guard and Reserve members, and eligible spouses and some dependent children may qualify. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Funeral Honors Stipend
A state program that reimburses local units of congressionally chartered veterans service organizations or their auxiliaries for providing honor guard services at funerals of eligible veterans.
Who it may help: The stipend goes to the veterans service organization, which must show its congressional charter, not to the family. The veteran's discharge must be Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions, and veterans buried in national or state cemeteries must also meet federal burial benefit guidelines. The page says reimbursements depend on available funds, and a County Veterans Service Officer can help verify eligibility. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Education
In-State Tuition Classification for Military Members and Dependents
Colorado's higher education guidance describes in-state tuition status for active-duty members stationed in Colorado and their dependents. It also covers service members who keep Colorado domicile or return after discharge.
Who it may help: Rules depend on being an active-duty member stationed in Colorado (or a dependent), keeping Colorado domicile while away on orders, or a returning-resident provision for those domiciled in Colorado for a year before service who return permanently within six months of discharge. Each institution's tuition classification officer makes the decision. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Colorado National Guard Tuition Waiver
Helps eligible Colorado National Guard members pay in-state tuition at approved public Colorado colleges for credit-bearing degree or certificate courses. Federal, state and private aid is applied first, and the school and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs split the remaining balance.
Who it may help: Page lists: eligible Colorado National Guard member in good standing, accepted to or attending a state-approved Designated Institution of Higher Education, FAFSA or CASFA submitted, basic training done, service dates covering the term, and in-state residency confirmed with the school. A new application is needed each term during set windows, and credit-hour caps and funding limits apply. Mandatory fees and textbooks are not covered. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Dependent Tuition Assistance Program (DTAP)
State aid for dependents of certain Colorado public-safety and National Guard personnel killed or disabled in the line of duty, and of prisoners of war or service members listed as missing in action. The page says it covers tuition and on-campus room and board.
Who it may help: Applicant must be a dependent of a qualifying person described above. The page lists an application window of March 1 through June 30 and says the program may not be offered at every participating school. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Employment
Veterans' Preference for Colorado State Jobs
Colorado gives eligible veterans preference when applying for state jobs under the state constitution. It does not apply to promotions.
Who it may help: Preference categories include veterans who served on active duty in a congressionally authorized period, those with a qualifying campaign badge or service medal, and those with a service-related disability. Applicants attach a DD-214 showing character of service. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Vets-2-Trucks CDL Skills Test Waiver
Lets eligible service members and recent veterans apply to have the commercial driver license skills test waived. Written exams must still be passed.
Who it may help: Colorado resident who is currently serving, close to discharge, or discharged within the past year. The page lists DR 2742 as the application for the waiver and also lists DR 2172, labeled a 10 year license certification. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Colorado DMV. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
VOCAL: Military Training Credit Toward Professional Licenses
A program in the state licensing division aimed at crediting military education and training toward professional licenses. The page also mentions possible renewal-fee or continuing-education waivers for some active-duty personnel and says an expired license may be reinstated if certain requirements are met.
Who it may help: The page says the program serves active-duty members, veterans and military spouses, and the training-credit law covers armed forces, reserve, National Guard and state naval militia members. Waivers and reinstatement have their own conditions, such as service of at least 120 days in an officially designated war, emergency or contingency for the waivers. Confirm with the Division of Professions and Occupations or the relevant licensing board. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
State Contracting Goal for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
Colorado sets a contracting goal for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and state agencies may give them preference in competitive bids. Businesses show status through the federal Small Business Administration verification.
Who it may help: The page says the business must be verified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business through the SBA, be located in Colorado, and hold a direct state contract (subcontractors do not count). Include SBA proof when responding to a solicitation, and register on ColoradoVSS. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Veterans Priority of Service at Colorado Workforce Centers
The state portal says all veterans receive priority of service in Colorado Workforce Center services, and veterans can work with staff to find suitable work.
Who it may help: The page states priority for veterans across workforce services and does not list further conditions. Specific job training programs may have their own requirements. The page has no state hiring preference information. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Paid Military Leave for Colorado State Employees
A state veterans employment resources page says state employees receive 15 days of paid military leave annually and lists Colorado National Guard or Reserve member as the eligibility.
Who it may help: The page lists Colorado National Guard or Reserve membership as the eligibility for this state employment benefit. It does not describe how leave is requested or other conditions; confirm with your state agency's human resources office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Colorado Troops to Teachers Support (CDE)
The Colorado Department of Education helps current and former service members explore becoming K-12 teachers, with alternative and traditional licensure paths and substitute teaching information. The page notes the federal Troops to Teachers program ended in 2020 and CDE now supports veterans and families.
Who it may help: Page describes the audience as current and former military service members. Licensure routes depend on education level (for example a bachelor's degree for alternative licensure). Contact CDE's educator recruitment staff to confirm current assistance. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Family
Colorado Military Spouse License
Spouses of active-duty service members stationed in Colorado who hold a license in another state can apply for a no-cost Military Spouse License in the same profession. It lasts three years and cannot be renewed.
Who it may help: Provide the service member's official orders, hold an active license in good standing in another U.S. state or territory in the same profession, and have no disciplinary actions. Those staying longer must apply for a full Colorado license. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Colorado Income Tax Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouse Wages
A nonresident spouse who is in Colorado only to be with a service member on orders is exempt from Colorado tax and withholding on wages earned here. The spouse gives the employer a state form to stop withholding.
Who it may help: Page says the spouse must be a nonresident present in Colorado solely to be with the servicemember, and the form DR 1059 is used with the employer. Other Colorado-source income, such as rental or business income, remains taxable. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Financial
Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with a Disability and Gold Star Spouses
Colorado offers a property tax exemption on the primary residence for qualifying veterans with a disability, their surviving spouses, and Gold Star spouses. You apply to your county assessor.
Who it may help: Veterans must have served on active duty with an honorable discharge and meet the disability criteria, and the owner must live in the home as their primary residence on January 1 of the application year. Gold Star spouses and surviving spouses of previously exempt veterans may also qualify. File with the county assessor within the stated annual window. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Retirement Income Tax Subtraction
Colorado lets military retirees subtract some military retirement pay from state taxable income. Retirees under 55 face an annual limit that depends on the tax year, while those 55 and older use the regular pension and annuity subtraction.
Who it may help: You claim the subtraction on the Colorado income tax form for military retirement benefits included in federal taxable income; the rules depend on your age at the end of the tax year. Confirm limits with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Colorado Military Family Relief Fund
A state fund that helps families of mobilized Colorado National Guard and Reserve members with costs such as housing, food, utilities and medical needs, with applications for deployment-related expenses or pay differential. The page says it is not an emergency fund.
Who it may help: The page lists: Colorado National Guard or Reserve member on active duty for at least 30 days under overseas mobilization orders, a complete application from the member or a family member, and Colorado residency for income tax purposes shown by a current Leave and Earning Statement. Applications are reviewed at roughly monthly meetings. Confirm details with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Nonresident Tax Election for Service Members Stationed Outside the U.S.
A Colorado-domiciled service member stationed outside the U.S. for enough of the tax year may elect to be treated as a nonresident for Colorado income tax. An accompanying spouse may also elect.
Who it may help: The page says the service member must spend at least 305 days of the tax year stationed outside the U.S., not necessarily consecutive, and a spouse must accompany for at least 305 days. File the DR 0104PN schedule. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Colorado Tax Filing and Payment Extensions for Service Members
Returns and payments due during service in a designated combat zone are extended until 180 days after that service ends. A service member whose ability to pay is materially affected by service may also pay up to 180 days after release, with no penalty or interest during the extension.
Who it may help: For the payment extension the page says the service member must notify the Department of Revenue. Combat zone areas follow federal designations listed in IRS Publication 3. The page does not describe a combat zone pay exclusion. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Subtraction of Active-Duty Pay After Reacquiring Colorado Residency
A service member whose home of record is Colorado, who took on another state's residency while in the military and later returned to Colorado residency, may subtract active-duty pay that was included in federal taxable income.
Who it may help: The page says all conditions apply: Colorado home of record, another state's residency acquired during service, and Colorado residency reacquired later. Documentation is required and no other income qualifies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Healthcare
Veterans Community Living Centers (State Veterans Nursing Homes)
Colorado's state-run Veterans Community Living Centers provide long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, memory care, respite care, and end-of-life services. The page says veterans pay lower rates than spouses or Gold Star parents because VA covers part of their care.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged veterans, veterans' spouses or widows, and Gold Star parents may qualify, and applicants must also meet medical criteria. Each center has its own admission forms. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Legal
County Veterans Service Officers
County Veterans Service Officers help veterans and family members with VA claims, applications, and appeals, and the page describes them as a free resource.
Who it may help: Veterans and their family members can contact the officer for their county. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs site lists each county office and contact details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Colorado Veterans Courts
Problem-solving courts for justice-involved current and former military members who have substance use or mental health needs. They use supervision and treatment to support reintegration.
Who it may help: The page describes the target group but does not list specific eligibility criteria or the application process. It points to location and contact pages by district and county; contact the local court or program to confirm entry rules. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Other
Restoration of Honor Act (Discharged LGBT Veteran Status)
Colorado recognizes eligible veterans as discharged LGBT veterans under state law, which can open access to certain Colorado programs and benefits. It does not change federal discharge status.
Who it may help: Your separation must be connected to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Veterans with a dishonorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, or officer dismissal do not qualify. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran and Military Identifier on Colorado Driver License or ID
Veterans and current or former service members can have a veteran or military identifier added to a Colorado driver license or ID card. Once added, the page says no extra documents are needed at renewal.
Who it may help: Bring an original DD-214 (Member 4 copy), a valid military ID card, or a Common Access Card to your appointment. One military identifier per document, chosen from the listed branches, and identifiers from other states do not transfer. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Western Region One Source (Grand Junction)
A state-run resource center in Grand Junction whose stated mission is to connect veterans, service members and their families with providers and resources. The page lists DEERS ID card services by appointment, a State Veteran Service Officer, notary services and family support services.
Who it may help: The page states a mission to connect veterans, service members and their families with service providers and resources, and does not list formal eligibility rules or define which areas it covers. Call ahead for current hours and appointments. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Recreation
Lifetime Fishing and Small Game License for Disabled Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says certain disabled resident veterans and Purple Heart recipients can apply for a lifetime fishing and small game combination license.
Who it may help: You must be a Colorado resident veteran with a VA-rated service-connected disability of at least 50%, or a Purple Heart recipient. Additional requirements apply; confirm with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free State Park Entry on Veterans Day
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers free entry to state parks on Veterans Day for veterans, active-duty military, and National Guard members. Camping and other fees still apply.
Who it may help: Bring accepted proof such as a DD214, military ID, a Colorado driver license or ID printed with Veteran, or a VA medical card. The page lists Nov 11, 2026 but is unclear on registration, so confirm with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Independence Parks Pass for Veterans
A free annual Colorado state parks pass for eligible Colorado resident veterans and Purple Heart recipients. It gives park entry and, for pass holders age 64 or older, a discount on weeknight camping.
Who it may help: Colorado resident. Veterans need a VA letter showing a discharge other than dishonorable and VA compensation under one of the listed disability routes. Purple Heart recipients need a certificate or DD214 showing the award. Apply with the veteran's license and pass application through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Transportation
Free Disabled Veteran License Plate
Eligible disabled veterans can apply through the Division of Motor Vehicles for one free Disabled Veteran license plate.
Who it may help: You need a DD214 showing honorable discharge and an eligibility letter stating a service-connected disability of 50% or more. You also provide vehicle registration or title paperwork, insurance proof, and emissions proof if required. Confirm any other requirements with your county motor vehicle office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Driver License Extension for Active-Duty Service Members
Colorado residents on active duty and stationed outside the state can apply for a free three-year extension of their driver license. The page says spouses and dependents are not eligible until January 1, 2027.
Who it may help: Active-duty Colorado resident whose license has not been expired more than 3 years. Provide a commanding officer letter or military orders showing active duty outside Colorado, and apply online or by mail with Form DR2342. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-24
Spot something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.