The State of Colorado offers benefits to its disabled veterans.
The State of Colorado provides benefits to active, retired and/or disabled military personnel, and these benefits can include special tax exemptions, assistance with employment or tuition, and discounted or free hunting/fish licenses. Program eligibility varies by residency, disability status and/or sector of the military. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs provides information and assistance to veterans regarding who they should contact to obtain these benefits.
State Tax Advantage
Retired members of the United States Armed Forces (all branches) can qualify to exclude nearly $20,000 from their taxable retirement income. Most forms of military disability retirement pay many not be taxed by either the state or federal government, but qualification varies by service. The Veterans Administration Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation may not be taxed either by the state or federal government.
Motor Vehicle Tax
Disabled veterans or former prisoners of war can quality for a motor vehicle tax waiver. They must qualify under state law to receive the tax waiver. All vehicles can qualify this waiver, but they must be registered at different times.
State Tuition Assistance
Members of the Colorado National Guard can receive up to 100 percent paid tuition at a Colorado state-funded school. This tuition can either be given solely or in addition to Federal Tuition Assistance. Deadlines vary per semester, and guard members must serve two years per one year of tuition. Students must also keep a 2.0 GPA. Free tuition is also given to children whose parent(s) was a Colorado resident and a prisoner of war, missing in action or disabled. Children of National Guard members who died on duty or are disabled also qualify for state tuition. Students must attended state-supported schools to qualify for the grant.
State Employment
Active Colorado National Guard members will receive up to 15 days of paid military leave. Veterans of any military sect will be eligible for employment preference in city or county government positions with a Merit System. Disabled veterans will have up to 10 points added to their Merit System grade while non-disabled veterans will have up to 5 points added to their state employment grade.
Other Benefits
Colorado National Guard Members will receive dental and full medical coverage. Disabled veterans who are residents of Colorado or patients at a resident hospital will receive a free, lifetime, small-game hunting and fishing license. Low-income veterans can receive up to $50 for burial allowances and up to $50 for markers or headstones, as of June 2010.
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