Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in Colorado
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This is a people-first, Colorado-specific guide for veterans age 60+ (and their families). It focuses on programs you can use now, what they do, who to contact, and how to apply. Links go to official or well-established sources.
Quick Help Box (Emergency and Urgent Contacts)
- Crisis or suicidal thoughts: Call 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or visit the Veterans Crisis Line website: Get help from the Veterans Crisis Line. 24/7, free, confidential.
- Homeless or at immediate risk: Call the VA Homeless Veterans line at 877-424-3838 or see VA Homeless Programs and HUD-VASH.
- Mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis in Colorado: Call 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255: Colorado Crisis Services. 24/7 statewide.
- Medical emergency: Call 911.
- Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an at-risk adult: Call Colorado Adult Protective Services at 1-844-264-5437 or see Adult Protective Services (APS).
- Not sure where to start: Call 2-1-1 or visit 211 Colorado to get connected to local help (food, housing, utilities, and more).
- VA enrollment or eligibility questions: VA Health Care Eligibility.
- Find a local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free claims help: Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) and county VSO directory.
Tip: If you can, contact a county Veterans Service Officer first. They can help you apply for federal VA benefits, state tax exemptions, and local programs in one place.
Table: Colorado Emergency and Rapid-Response Contacts
| Need | What it does | How to reach |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Crisis Line | 24/7 crisis counseling by phone, text, chat | Call 988 then 1; Veterans Crisis Line |
| VA Homeless Veterans | Rapid connection to housing, SSVF, HUD-VASH | 877-424-3838; VA Homeless Programs |
| Colorado Crisis Services | 24/7 statewide mental health/substance use help | 1-844-493-8255; text TALK to 38255; Colorado Crisis Services |
| Adult Protective Services | Report abuse, neglect, exploitation of at-risk adults | 1-844-264-5437; Colorado APS |
| 211 Colorado | Local resources for food, shelter, bills, transit | Dial 2-1-1; 211 Colorado |
| County VSOs | Free help with VA/state benefits | Find your county VSO |
Reality check: Wait times for housing programs can be long in high-cost areas. If you’re in danger of losing housing, call the VA Homeless line and 211 right away and ask about Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and shelter options.
How to Use This Guide
- Start with the benefit you need most (health care, housing, money help, food, etc.).
- Use the “Apply” or “Learn more” links. Most programs have phone help if online forms are confusing.
- If paperwork is a problem (no printer, missing DD-214, no ID), contact a county VSO or 211—there are workarounds and people who can help.
VA Health Care and Long-Term Care in Colorado
Two VA health systems serve Colorado: Eastern Colorado (Aurora/Denver metro and Front Range) and Western Colorado (Grand Junction and Western Slope). You can get primary care, specialty care, mental health, telehealth, and more.
- Eastern Colorado: VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
- Western Colorado: VA Western Colorado Health Care System
Colorado also operates state Veterans Community Living Centers (nursing and memory care) for eligible veterans and spouses:
- Colorado Veterans Community Living Centers (Aurora/Fitzsimons, Florence/Bruce McCandless, Homelake, Rifle, Walsenburg)
Table: Major VA Facilities in Colorado
| Facility | Region | Services | Phone/Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (Aurora) | Denver metro/Front Range | Full service hospital, specialty care, mental health, urgent care | Eastern Colorado VA |
| Grand Junction VA Medical Center | Western Slope | Hospital, primary/specialty care, mental health | Western Colorado VA |
| Outpatient Clinics (Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Golden, Fort Collins, Greeley, La Junta, etc.) | Statewide | Primary care, mental health, lab, telehealth | See clinic list under each health system page above |
| State Veterans Community Living Centers | Multi-site | Skilled nursing, memory care, respite | Colorado VCLCs |
- Eligibility and enrollment: VA Health Care Eligibility
- Travel reimbursement to VA appointments (if eligible): VA Beneficiary Travel
- VA telehealth on your device: VA Telehealth
Tip: If traveling is hard, ask your VA care team about VA Video Connect and whether you qualify for a VA-issued tablet through the Digital Divide program: Get internet or a device for VA telehealth.
Money, Taxes, and Everyday Bills
Here are core Colorado and federal programs that often help senior veterans make ends meet.
Colorado Old Age Pension (OAP)
The Old Age Pension helps low-income Coloradans age 60+ with monthly cash assistance. It’s run by counties.
- What it does: Monthly cash benefit; may include limited medical coverage for those not eligible for Medicaid.
- Where to apply: Old Age Pension (CDHS) or apply online at Colorado PEAK.
Reality check: OAP has income/resource limits. If you’re close to the limit, talk with a county worker or VSO before applying.
Colorado Property Tax: Senior and Disabled Veteran Exemptions
Colorado’s Constitution provides partial property tax exemptions:
- Senior Homestead Exemption: For homeowners age 65+ who have lived in and owned their home for at least 10 years.
- Disabled Veteran (and Surviving Spouse) Exemption: For veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability (as determined by VA) and qualifying survivors.
By law, the exemption is for 50% of the first $200,000 of a home’s actual value. Apply through your county assessor’s office.
- Details and forms: Colorado Senior & Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (Colorado Department of Local Affairs)
Colorado also has a Property Tax Deferral Program that lets some seniors defer paying part of their property taxes until the home is sold.
- Learn more: Colorado Property Tax Deferral
Colorado PTC Rebate (Property Tax/Rent/Heat)
The PTC Rebate helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities with part of their property tax, rent, and heating costs. It’s a state income tax rebate with an annual application.
- Learn more and apply: Colorado PTC Rebate (Colorado Department of Revenue)
Food and Groceries
- SNAP (food assistance) for older adults: Colorado SNAP and apply at Colorado PEAK.
- Senior food boxes (CSFP): USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program for people 60+. Colorado details: CSFP in Colorado.
- Local food banks: Food Bank of the Rockies and Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.
Utilities and Home Energy
- Winter energy help (Nov 1–April 30): Colorado LEAP.
- Year-round utility assistance: Energy Outreach Colorado.
- Home weatherization (free for income-eligible households): Colorado Weatherization Assistance Program.
Military Retirement Pay (State Income Tax)
Colorado offers a state income tax subtraction for certain retirement benefits, including military retired pay. Rules can change and vary by age and year.
- Check current rules: Colorado Department of Revenue – Income Tax Guidance and “Pension and Annuity Subtraction.”
Tip: If taxes are confusing, many senior centers host free tax help during filing season (AARP Foundation Tax-Aide). Ask 211 Colorado for a site near you.
Table: Key Colorado Money and Tax Benefits for Senior Veterans
| Program | What it covers | Who it helps | Apply/Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Pension (OAP) | Monthly cash assistance | Low-income Coloradans 60+ | CDHS OAP; Apply at PEAK |
| PTC Rebate | Property tax/rent/heat rebate | Low-income seniors and people with disabilities | Colorado DOR PTC Rebate |
| Senior Homestead Exemption | 50% of first $200,000 of value | Homeowners 65+ (10-year residency) | DOLA Exemption Program |
| Disabled Veteran Exemption | 50% of first $200,000 of value | 100% P&T service-connected disabled vets and certain survivors | DOLA Exemption Program |
| Property Tax Deferral | Defer part of property taxes | Eligible seniors and some active duty | State Treasurer – Deferral |
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | Monthly grocery benefit | Low-income individuals and families | Colorado SNAP; PEAK |
| LEAP | Winter heating costs | Low- to moderate-income households | Colorado LEAP |
Reality check: These programs often require proof of income, residency, and sometimes a copy of your DD-214. If you can’t find your DD-214, request it here: Request military records (National Archives).
Housing Help for Senior Veterans
- HUD-VASH (Housing vouchers with VA case management): Helps eligible homeless veterans get long-term housing with VA support. Availability varies by area. Learn more: HUD-VASH.
- SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families): Short-term help to prevent homelessness or rapidly re-house veterans. For a local provider, use VA’s page: SSVF for Veterans. You can also ask 211 Colorado for the nearest SSVF provider.
- CHFA (Colorado Housing Finance Authority): Homebuyer education, down payment assistance, resources for homeowners facing hardship. Not veteran-specific but useful: CHFA.
- Legal issues with eviction or landlord disputes: Ask about free clinics through Colorado Lawyers for Colorado Veterans.
Table: Housing Programs and How They Help
| Program | What it does | Typical steps | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUD-VASH | Voucher + VA case management for homeless vets | VA homeless intake, voucher availability, landlord search | HUD-VASH overview |
| SSVF | Short-term rent deposits, arrears, case management | Call local SSVF provider; quick documentation review | Find SSVF help |
| Property Tax Exemptions | Cuts property taxes on home | Apply with county assessor by deadline | Colorado Exemption Program |
| Weatherization | Free energy upgrades to lower bills | Apply via local agency; income-based | Colorado WAP |
Tip: If you’re behind on rent or utilities, call 211 Colorado and your county VSO the same day. Some funds are first-come, first-served, and documentation timelines matter.
Health Coverage Beyond the VA
- Medicare help and free counseling: Colorado’s SHIP program offers unbiased Medicare counseling. Call or visit: Colorado SHIP (Division of Insurance).
- Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help (lowers Medicare costs and drug costs if eligible): Colorado HCPF – Medicare Savings Programs and Social Security – Extra Help with Part D.
- Medicaid for seniors (Health First Colorado): Income- and asset-based; can include long-term services and supports, home- and community-based services (HCBS), and nursing home care: Health First Colorado eligibility.
- PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly): Full-service medical and social supports to help frail seniors live at home. Several sites in Colorado: Colorado PACE.
- Dental: VA dental is limited to certain eligibility categories. If you don’t qualify, check the Colorado Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors (age 60+): Senior Dental Program and VA Dental overview: VA dental care.
Reality check: Combining VA and Medicare/Medicaid can be confusing, but it’s allowed. Many seniors use VA for some care and Medicare for others. The SHIP program can help you compare costs and avoid penalties.
Transportation, Plates, and Parks
- RTD (Denver metro) discounts for seniors (65+), and discounts for people with disabilities: RTD Discount Fares.
- Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): If you’re on Health First Colorado, ask about rides to covered medical appointments: NEMT in Colorado.
- VA appointment rides and mileage reimbursement: VA Beneficiary Travel.
- Disabled Veteran and military license plates: Colorado DMV – Military and Veteran Plates.
- Parks, hunting, and fishing: Seniors may get discounted park passes; disabled veterans may qualify for special hunting/fishing licenses and certain park benefits. See Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Military and Veteran Discounts and Aspen Leaf Pass for 64+.
Table: Transportation and Outdoor Discounts
| Benefit | What it offers | Who qualifies | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTD Senior Fares | Reduced fares on buses and light rail | Adults 65+ | RTD Discount Fares |
| NEMT | Rides to covered medical visits | Medicaid members | HCPF NEMT |
| VA Travel Pay | Mileage and tolls for eligible VA patients | Eligibility rules apply | VA Beneficiary Travel |
| Veteran Plates | Special plates; some fee benefits | Eligible veterans | CO DMV – Veteran Plates |
| CPW Discounts | Park/rec benefits; hunting/fishing licenses | Seniors; disabled vets | CPW Military/Veteran Discounts |
VA Benefits and Claims Help in Colorado
- Free one-on-one help with VA disability, pension (including Aid & Attendance), survivor benefits, and appeals: Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (CDVA).
- Federal VA pension with Aid and Attendance and Housebound increased amount for veterans and survivors who need daily support or are largely homebound: VA Pension, Aid & Attendance.
Reality check: Avoid paid “claim consultants.” Accredited VSOs are free and trained. You can check accreditation on VA’s site or go through your county VSO.
Mental Health, Caregiver Support, and Safety
- VA mental health: Ask your VA primary care team or call your VA facility. Overview here: VA Mental Health.
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then press 1; chat/text: Veterans Crisis Line.
- Colorado Crisis Services (24/7): 1-844-493-8255, text TALK to 38255: Colorado Crisis Services.
- VA Caregiver Support: Education, respite, and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC): VA Caregiver Support.
- Colorado Respite Coalition: Help finding respite care: Colorado Respite Coalition.
- Adult Protective Services: Report suspected abuse of at-risk adults: 1-844-264-5437; Colorado APS.
End-of-Life and Survivor Benefits
- Burial and memorial benefits (headstones, markers, burial in a national cemetery): VA Burials and Memorials.
- National cemeteries in Colorado: Fort Logan National Cemetery (Denver) and Pikes Peak National Cemetery (Colorado Springs).
- Survivor and dependency benefits (DIC, Survivor’s Pension): VA Survivors and Burial Benefits.
Tip: Your county VSO can help your family file survivor claims. Keep DD-214 and VA rating decision letters in an accessible folder.
Inclusive Support: Specific Groups of Senior Veterans
LGBTQ+ Senior Veterans
- VA has LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators at every VA medical center to help with welcoming, informed care: VA LGBTQ+ Veteran Care.
- If you experience discrimination, you can report it through patient advocates at your VA facility (find contact under each VA system page above).
- Community support: One Colorado (statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy and resources).
Disabled Senior Veterans
- 100% P&T service-connected veterans may qualify for the Colorado Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption: Program details.
- Home modification and independent living supports may be available through VA (e.g., HISA, SAH grants): VA housing grants for disabled Veterans.
- Transportation: Check NEMT (if on Medicaid) and VA travel pay; ask your VSO or VA social worker to coordinate.
Tribal Veterans (Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and others living in Colorado)
- VA Office of Tribal Government Relations can connect you with benefits and outreach: VA Tribal Relations.
- Health care: Some tribal members may also use Indian Health Service or tribal health programs. Find care: IHS – Find Health Care.
- Tribal governments: Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Ask your tribal administration about veteran contacts or service officers.
Reality check: Coordination between VA, IHS, and tribal programs can take time. Keep copies of referrals and ask for a written care plan.
Rural Senior Veterans and Those with Limited Access
- VA telehealth (VA Video Connect) and community care referrals can reduce travel: VA Telehealth.
- Ask about VA’s Digital Divide program for devices/internet: Get internet or a device.
- Travel pay for eligible veterans: VA Beneficiary Travel.
- If broadband is a problem, consider the federal Lifeline phone/internet discount: Lifeline Program.
Women Veterans
- Women Veterans Program Managers are available at each VA medical center to coordinate care (primary care, mammography, gynecology, maternity, mental health): VA Women’s Health.
- Women Veterans Call Center (M–F extended hours, Sat limited): 1-855-829-6636; Women Veterans Call Center.
Region-by-Region Starting Points
Use these as quick starting points. For county VSOs, use the directory through CDVA: Find your county VSO.
- Denver Metro and Front Range (Aurora, Denver, Boulder, Golden, Fort Collins, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo)
- Hospital: Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC (Aurora)
- Medicare counseling: Colorado SHIP
- Food/utility help: 211 Colorado
- Northern Colorado (Larimer, Weld, Northern I-25 corridor)
- VA clinics in Fort Collins and Greeley (see Eastern Colorado system)
- Weatherization and LEAP help via local agencies: LEAP
- Pikes Peak Region (El Paso, Teller)
- VA clinic(s) in Colorado Springs (see Eastern Colorado)
- Crisis: Colorado Crisis Services
- National cemetery: Pikes Peak National Cemetery
- Western Slope (Mesa, Montrose, Delta, Garfield, Routt, etc.)
- Hospital: Grand Junction VA Medical Center
- PACE options vary by county: Colorado PACE
- Southern Colorado (Pueblo, Huerfano, Las Animas, Alamosa, etc.)
- VA clinics in Pueblo and La Junta (see Eastern Colorado)
- State Veterans Community Living Centers: Florence; Homelake (Monte Vista); Walsenburg: VCLCs
- Eastern Plains (Logan, Morgan, Yuma, Kit Carson, etc.)
- Telehealth and travel pay can be key: VA Telehealth and VA Beneficiary Travel
- 211 can help find local transport options: 211 Colorado
Legal and Consumer Protection
- Free legal clinics (civil matters such as housing, family law, consumer issues): Colorado Lawyers for Colorado Veterans.
- Fraud and scams (including Medicare/health scams): Colorado Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
- Consumer fraud reporting and tips: Stop Fraud Colorado (Attorney General).
Documents and Records
- Military records (DD-214): Request records (National Archives).
- VA decision letters and benefit summaries: Log in to VA.gov or call your VSO for help printing.
- Colorado ID/driver license and veteran indicator: Colorado DMV.
Table: Health and Care Programs at a Glance
| Need | Program | What it does | Where to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care coordination at home | PACE | Wraparound medical, therapy, social supports to stay at home | HCPF – PACE |
| Nursing or memory care | Veterans Community Living Centers | Skilled nursing and memory care for vets/spouses | Colorado VCLCs |
| Medicare decisions | SHIP counseling | Free, unbiased help choosing/using Medicare | Colorado SHIP |
| VA + Medicare | Eligibility info | Understand how VA and Medicare work together | VA Health Care Eligibility |
| Dental | Senior Dental Program | Reduced-cost dental care for 60+ | CDPHE Senior Dental |
Practical Tips and Reality Checks
- Keep a benefits folder: DD-214, VA rating decision letters, Social Security letters, Medicare card, award letters, and a list of medications.
- Deadlines matter: Property tax exemptions and the PTC Rebate have yearly deadlines. Mark your calendar and set reminders.
- Don’t pay for claims help: Accredited county VSOs and veteran organizations (DAV, VFW, American Legion) help free of charge.
- Housing waits: If you’re on a voucher waitlist, keep your phone on and voicemail set up. Missed calls can set you back.
- Telehealth saves time: Ask your clinic to switch appropriate visits to video to avoid travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I apply for the Colorado Senior or Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption?
A: You apply through your county assessor, usually by mid-summer for the upcoming tax year. Details and forms are linked at the state’s site: Senior & Disabled Veteran Exemption. For the disabled veteran exemption, you’ll need VA documentation showing a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability.
Q: I’m a senior veteran on a fixed income. What programs can lower my monthly bills?
A: Start with LEAP (winter heating), PTC Rebate (property tax/rent/heat), SNAP for groceries, and ask about Weatherization. A VSO can also screen you for VA pension with Aid and Attendance.
Q: Is VA health care my only option?
A: No. Many senior veterans use both VA and Medicare. Use SHIP to compare plans and costs: Colorado SHIP. If you qualify for Medicaid (Health First Colorado), you may get long-term services at home or in a facility: HCPF eligibility.
Q: I’m homeless (or about to be). What should I do today?
A: Call 877-424-3838 (VA Homeless line) and 2-1-1. Ask about SSVF and HUD-VASH. If you’re in a mental health crisis, call 1-844-493-8255 (Colorado Crisis Services). Program details: HUD-VASH and SSVF.
Q: Where can I get help filing a VA claim or appeal?
A: Contact your county Veterans Service Officer through Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs. You can also work with accredited organizations like DAV, VFW, or American Legion.
Q: What if I lost my DD-214?
A: Request a copy from the National Archives: Request Military Service Records. A VSO can help you fill out the request.
Q: Do Colorado colleges offer special help for veterans?
A: Yes. Most public colleges have Veteran Resource Centers. Colorado also provides in-state tuition options for eligible veterans; see the state higher education page: Colorado Military & Veterans in Higher Ed. Federal education benefits: GI Bill.
Q: Are there special benefits for women veterans?
A: Every VA medical center has a Women Veterans Program Manager. Call the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-829-6636 or visit Women’s Health at VA.
Q: I live far from a VA clinic. Can I still get care?
A: Yes. Ask about VA Video Connect and community care referrals if travel is a hardship. See VA Telehealth and Beneficiary Travel.
Resources (Statewide)
- Benefits and claims help: Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
- VA health systems: VA Eastern Colorado, VA Western Colorado
- Medicaid/Medicare: Health First Colorado (HCPF), Colorado SHIP
- Food help: Colorado SNAP, CSFP
- Older adult cash assistance: Old Age Pension
- Property taxes: Senior/Disabled Veteran Exemption, Property Tax Deferral, PTC Rebate
- Utilities and home energy: LEAP, Energy Outreach Colorado, Weatherization
- Housing stability: HUD-VASH, SSVF, CHFA
- Transportation and plates: RTD Discounts, VA Travel Pay, CO DMV Veteran Plates
- Parks and wildlife: CPW Military & Veteran Discounts, Aspen Leaf Pass
- Legal help: Colorado Lawyers for Colorado Veterans
- Crisis and safety: Veterans Crisis Line, Colorado Crisis Services, Colorado APS
- Fraud alerts: Stop Fraud Colorado
- Records: Request DD-214
- Burial: VA Burials and Memorials, Fort Logan National Cemetery, Pikes Peak National Cemetery
About This Guide
by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team
The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.
Our Commitment to You:
- Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
- Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
- Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.
While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.
- Last Updated: January 2026
- Sources: Linked throughout this guide (state and federal agency sites and established nonprofits)
- Next Review: May 2026
If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and is not legal, financial, or medical advice. Program rules, amounts, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details directly with the agency or official program website linked in this guide.
About the Authors