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Colorado Veterans Benefits

Beyond your federal VA disability compensation, Colorado offers its own benefits for veterans — property tax, education, vehicle, recreation. Here's what Colorado veterans can claim, who qualifies, and how to apply.

4 state benefits · Property Tax, Education, Vehicle, Recreation · Last verified 2026-04-29

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Property Tax

  1. Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption100%+ rating
    Est. $900/yr · 50% of first $200K of actual value exempt — typical savings $400–$1,400/yr

    Colorado Disabled Veteran / Gold Star Spouse Property Tax Exemption — 50% exemption on the FIRST $200,000 of actual home value on the primary residence (so up to $100,000 of value shielded). Eligibility (any of): (1) 100% permanent and total service-connected rating from VA; (2) TDIU (Individual Unemployability — paid at the 100% rate); (3) 100% rating via military disability retirement; (4) Gold Star Spouse. NOT a full exemption — only half of the first $200K is exempt; value above $200K remains fully taxable. Apply at county assessor between January 1 and July 1; once approved, no need to reapply unless VA status changes.

    How to claim: Apply at county assessor between Jan 1 and Jul 1 with VA letter showing 100% P&T or TDIU

    County Assessor / CO Division of Veterans Affairs · Official details ↗

Education

  1. Tuition Assistance100% P&T
    Est. $10,000/yr · Full tuition waiver

    Free tuition at state schools for dependents of 100% P&T veterans or those killed/MIA.

    How to claim: Apply through CO Dept of Higher Education

    CO Dept of Higher Education

Vehicle

  1. Disabled Veteran License Plate50%+ rating
    Est. $75/yr · Plate fee waived

    Free license plates for disabled veterans rated 50%+.

    How to claim: Apply at county motor vehicle office

    CO DMV

Recreation

  1. Free State Parks60%+ rating
    Est. $80/yr · Annual pass waived

    Free Centennial Pass for veterans with 60%+ disability.

    How to claim: Apply at CPW office with VA letter

    CO Parks and Wildlife

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Common questions

What benefits do Colorado veterans get?

Colorado offers veteran benefits across property tax, education, vehicle, recreation. Highlights include Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption, Tuition Assistance, Disabled Veteran License Plate. Eligibility varies — some benefits require a VA disability rating, 100% P&T status, or combat service.

What property tax exemption do disabled veterans get in Colorado?

Colorado Disabled Veteran / Gold Star Spouse Property Tax Exemption — 50% exemption on the FIRST $200,000 of actual home value on the primary residence (so up to $100,000 of value shielded). Eligibility (any of): (1) 100% permanent and total service-connected rating from VA; (2) TDIU (Individual Une

Do I need a VA rating to claim Colorado benefits?

Many state benefits are tied to your VA disability rating — the higher your rating, the more you may qualify for. Use the free VA Ready calculator to confirm your combined rating, then check which state benefits you've earned.

State benefit rules, amounts, and eligibility change and vary by county or municipality. Estimated values are approximate. Always confirm current details with the state agency or the official source linked above before relying on a benefit. VA Ready is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any state agency, and this page is not legal, tax, or financial advice.