Colorado offers a comprehensive array of benefits for veterans, including housing assistance, financial benefits, educational opportunities, and recreational privileges. Here’s a brief overview based on the information gathered:
Housing and Financial Assistance
- Property Tax Exemptions: Colorado provides a significant property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled service-connected veterans. Additionally, the Property Tax Deferral Program offers a way for military personnel and seniors to defer property tax payments.
- CHFA Home Loans: Qualified veterans have access to affordable interest rates on home loans through the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), including Firststep, Firststep Plus, SmartStep, and SmartStep Plus programs.
- Income Tax Benefits: Active-duty military stationed outside of Colorado are exempt from state income tax. Retired military pay is also partially exempt from income tax, with exclusions varying by age.
Education and Employment
- Colorado National Guard Education Benefits: Members are eligible for state tuition assistance, covering up to 100% tuition at Colorado state-funded institutions, depending on funding availability.
- Veteran Employment Benefits: Colorado offers veterans preference points for state employment exams to honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, or surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans.
Recreational Benefits
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Colorado provides free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with disabilities and active-duty military personnel. Additionally, all active-duty members and veterans receive free state park admission in August and on Veterans Day.
- State Parks Admission: Veterans with a Disabled Veterans License Plate enjoy free admission to state parks. The Columbine Annual Pass offers discounted access for residents with total and permanent disabilities.
Other Benefits
- State Veterans Community Living Centers: Colorado maintains five state veterans’ homes offering comprehensive care for veterans, their spouses, widows, and Gold Star parents.
- Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado: Provides a dignified final resting place for veterans, meeting the same eligibility requirements as for VA national cemeteries, but includes a residency requirement.