Colorado State Benefits for Disabled Veterans: A Comprehensive Guide

As a non-profit dedicated to helping veterans in Colorado, Vets Helping Vets Colorado understands the unique challenges faced by those who have served our country and now live with disabilities incurred during their service. Navigating the complex landscape of state benefits can be daunting, so we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the benefits available to disabled veterans in our state. This information aims to empower you to access the resources you've earned through your sacrifice.

I. Financial Benefits

Colorado offers several financial benefits to ease the burden on disabled veterans and their families:

• Disabled Veteran and Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption: This significant benefit exempts 50% of the first $200,000 in actual value of a disabled veteran's primary residence from property taxes.

  • Eligibility: The veteran must have an honorable discharge and a service-connected disability rated as 100% permanent and total by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Note that a 100% disability rating solely due to individual unemployability does not qualify. The veteran must own and occupy the property as their primary residence since January 1st of the year of application. If the veteran's spouse is the owner, the veteran can still qualify if they were married by January 1st and both have occupied the property as their primary residence since that date. Gold Star spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or disease and who receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) may also be eligible, provided they haven't remarried and owned/occupied the property since January 1st.

  • Application Process: Applications must be submitted to the county assessor's office between January 1st and July 1st of the year you qualify, along with a VA Benefit Summary Letter. Once approved at the same address, you generally don't need to reapply unless your VA status changes or you move.

  • * Proposed Constitutional Amendment: Please be aware that there is a proposed bill to amend the Colorado Constitution that, if passed, would provide a full property tax exemption for eligible disabled veterans and surviving spouses. For the latest updates and more information on this proposed legislation, please visit www.coloradoveteransaction.com.

    
    

• Military Retired Pay Subtraction: Colorado allows military retirees to subtract a portion of their retirement income from state taxes. The amount depends on age:

  • Under 55: Up to $7,500

  • Ages 55-64: Up to $20,000

  • Age 65 and over: Up to $24,000

    
    

• Tax Exemption on VA Disability Compensation and DIC: Payments received from the VA for disability compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are exempt from Colorado state income tax.

  
  

• Property Tax Deferral for Activated Reserve Component Service Members: If you are a reserve component service member called to federal active duty, you may be eligible to defer your property tax payments until you are deactivated.

  
  

• Grants for Specially Adapted Housing and Vehicles: While these are federal benefits administered through the VA, it's important to note that eligible disabled veterans can receive grants for building or adapting homes for wheelchair accessibility and for purchasing or adapting vehicles for those who have lost the use of limbs or eyesight. Our organization can help connect you with resources to apply for these federal grants.

  
  

II. Vehicle-Related Benefits

Colorado provides several benefits related to vehicle registration and operation for disabled veterans:

• Disabled Veteran License Plates: Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected permanent disability are eligible for one free Disabled Veteran license plate. Various designs are available based on the branch of service and any decorations received.

  • Application Process: You'll need to submit a completed Military License Plate Application to your local county motor vehicle office, along with a DD214 (demonstrating honorable discharge) and an eligibility letter from the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs confirming your disability rating and its service connection and permanence. You'll also need your current vehicle registration or title documents and proof of emissions if required in your county.

    
    

• Exemption from Vehicle Ownership Tax and Registration Fees: Colorado law clarifies that a disabled veteran does not necessarily need to obtain a Disabled Veteran license plate to be exempt from vehicle ownership tax and registration fees if they meet the disability criteria. Contact your county motor vehicle office for specific requirements.

  
  

• Free Admission to State Parks with Disabled Veteran License Plates: Colorado residents with Disabled Veteran license plates can access Colorado State Parks for free. The veteran must be present in the vehicle.

  
  

III. Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers significant benefits for disabled veteran outdoor enthusiasts:

• Free Lifetime Combination Small-Game Hunting and Fishing License: Resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 60% or more can receive this valuable lifetime license.

  • Application Process: You'll need to provide proof of your service-connected disability rating (60% or higher) from the VA. If born on or after January 1, 1949, you must also have completed a hunter safety course. Applications can be submitted electronically, through your CPW account, or by mail.

    
    

• Independence Pass for Free State Park Admission: Resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater, those who have lost the use of one or both hands or feet, or those with permanent loss of vision in both eyes, as well as Purple Heart recipients, are eligible for a free annual Independence Pass granting unlimited access to all Colorado State Parks.

  • Application Process: You generally only need to apply once. Renewals can often be done online, in person, or by phone as long as you remain a Colorado resident. You'll need to provide documentation of your disability.

    
    

• Accommodation Permits for Hunters with Disabilities: Veterans with temporary or permanent disabilities that significantly impair their ability to hunt may be eligible for accommodation permits. These permits allow for certain adaptations to hunting methods (e.g., shooting from a vehicle under specific conditions). Note that these permits do not replace required hunting licenses.

  
  

IV. Employment and Job Training

Colorado is committed to assisting disabled veterans in finding meaningful employment

• Veteran's Preference in State Employment: Honorably separated active-duty veterans who served during a time of war or received a campaign medal, the spouse of a veteran unable to work due to a service-connected disability, and the widow/widower of a deceased veteran who was or would have been entitled to veteran's preference receive a five-point preference in state employment.   

• Priority Services at Workforce Centers: The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and local Workforce Centers prioritize veterans for job listings, job fairs, events, and other employment services. Veterans who served at least one day of active duty may receive "intensive" services if they face significant barriers to employment. Some locations have dedicated Veteran Employment Specialists for one-on-one assistance.

• Wounded Warrior Program: This program assists Colorado resident service members returning from post-September 11th deployments who are assigned to a military medical treatment facility. It provides various support services.

• Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program: The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless offers employment services specifically for homeless veterans, including skills assessment, resume development, and job interview coaching.

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V. Education Benefits

Colorado offers several educational benefits for veterans and their dependents:

• Tuition Classification for Veterans: Honorably discharged veterans who meet domicile requirements in Colorado may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities.

• Colorado National Guard Education Benefits: Active members of the Colorado National Guard may be eligible for state tuition assistance, potentially covering up to 100% of tuition at Colorado state-funded schools, depending on available funding.

• College Opportunity Fund (COF): This state stipend is available to undergraduate Colorado residents, including veterans. For those using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, accepting COF can reduce the amount billed to the VA and the student's out-of-pocket expenses.

• McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act: This act ensures that eligible spouses and children of deceased veterans who live in Colorado can receive in-state tuition rates.

• Veteran & Military Student Services at Universities: Many Colorado universities have dedicated offices to assist veterans and military students with navigating their VA and state education benefits, residency requirements, and other resources.

  
  

VI. Parks and Recreation Benefits

Beyond the free admission with Disabled Veteran license plates and the Independence Pass, other park benefits exist:

• Free Admission to State Parks in August and on Veterans Day: All active-duty military members and veterans receive free admission to Colorado State Parks during the entire month of August and on Veterans Day (November 11th). Proof of service is required.

• Columbine Annual Pass Discount: Colorado resident disabled veterans with at least a 60% disability can purchase an annual state park pass for a significantly reduced price.

• Specialty Passes for Disabled First Responders: While focused on first responders, it's worth noting that programs exist for those with permanent occupational disabilities, potentially including veterans who transitioned to first responder roles.

  
  

VII. Long-Term Care

Colorado offers state veterans homes providing long-term care services:

• Colorado State Veterans Homes: There are several state-run veterans nursing homes across Colorado (e.g., Aurora, Monte Vista, Florence, Rifle, Walsenburg). These facilities offer nursing care, and some may provide assisted living or domiciliary care. Eligibility criteria generally include honorable discharge, Colorado residency, and a need for long-term care. Spouses may also be eligible in some cases.

• Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit: While a federal benefit, the VA's Aid and Attendance pension can help eligible veterans and surviving spouses with the cost of long-term care, whether in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or at home.

  
  

VIII. Other Potential Benefits

• Discounted Bus and Train Services: Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more may be eligible for discounted regular bus and train services with a Special Discount Card (SDC). Personal attendants may ride for free.

• Veteran Designation on Driver's License or State ID: Colorado allows veterans to have the word "Veteran" printed on their driver's license or state-issued identification card as proof of service for various benefits.

  
  

IX. Where to Get Help

Navigating these benefits can still be complex. We encourage you to reach out to the following resources for personalized assistance:

• Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs: This state agency provides comprehensive information and assistance with accessing state and federal benefits.

• County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs): Located in counties throughout Colorado, CVSOs are trained professionals who can help you understand and apply for benefits.

• Vets Helping Vets Colorado: Our organization is dedicated to connecting veterans with the resources they need. Please reach out to us for guidance and support.

• 2-1-1 Colorado: This statewide helpline can connect you with various health and human service programs, including those for veterans.

• Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center: Located in the Pikes Peak region, this center offers a wide range of support services, including benefits assistance and financial wellness programs.

• Homes for All Veterans (Rocky Mountain Human Services): This program assists homeless or at-risk veterans in Colorado with finding housing.

• Colorado Coalition for the Homeless - Veteran Services: This organization provides transitional housing and support services for homeless veterans.

  
  

Conclusion

Colorado is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of its disabled veterans by providing a range of valuable state benefits. We at Vets Helping Vets Colorado hope this guide serves as a helpful starting point in accessing the resources you are entitled to. Please remember that eligibility requirements and application processes can change, so it's always best to verify the most up-to-date information with the relevant agencies. Don't hesitate to reach out to the organizations listed above for personalized support. You are not alone, and we are here to help you navigate the path forward.