What should I know about state benefits for Veterans in Georgia?

Contents

• What types of benefits does Georgia offer Veterans?
• What are my rights and responsibilities with Georgia's Veterans benefits?

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What types of benefits does Georgia offer Veterans?

The state of Georgia offers several benefits to Veterans. Georgia defines Veterans as people who have served on active military duty in the U.S. armed services and are now civilians. Generally, the term "veteran" does not include anyone currently on active duty. However, some benefits may also be available to those on active duty or to current members of the Georgia National Guards or Reserves. 

 

If you are a Georgia Veteran, you may be entitled to certain state benefits, including:

• Tax exemptions. 

  • Disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse: A qualified disabled Veteran is granted an exemption of:

    • $32,500.00 or

    • the maximum amount allowed under federal law on the value of his or her home. The federal maximum for 2019 is $86,645.

  • This covers all ad valorem tax for state, county, municipal, and school purposes. It also may apply to a surviving spouse who has not remarried or their children under 18. Taxes must still be paid on property with a value that exceeds the exempted amount.

  • Ad Valorem Tax on Vehicles. Some Veterans do not have to pay Georgia annual property tax or title tax on their personal vehicle. These Veterans include:

    • Those who are totally and permanently disabled with a service-connected disability,

    • Those rated unemployable by the VA, or those who are receiving or are entitled to get money from the VA for:

      • Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet,

      • Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands, 

      • Loss of sight in one or both eyes, or

      • Permanent damage to vision in both eyes to a certain prescribed degree,

    • Those who received the Purple Heart, and 

    • Those who received the Medal of Honor. 

  • Business Certificate of Exemption. You may be exempt from certain business taxes and fees if you:

    • Weren’t dishonorably discharged, and

    • Have a service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or more.

 

• Driving Licenses and Personal ID Cards. If you were honorably discharged, you can get a free Veteran’s driver’s license or personal ID card if:

  • You are a Georgia resident, and

  • You served during a recognized period of war or conflict.

 

• License plates. You can apply for a variety of free Veteran’s license plates.

 

• Hunting and fishing licenses. You may be eligible for free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses.

 

• Employment preference. If you are a war Veteran you get a preference when applying to jobs with the state of Georgia. Disabled veterans also receive employment preference. 

 

• War Veterans nursing homes. If you are a war veteran you may be eligible for skilled nursing care in one of Georgia’s war veterans' nursing homes. 

 

• Parking for disabled Veterans. If you have a Disabled Veteran license plate, you can park in disabled parking spaces. You do not need a disabled parking permit.

 

• State Park entrance fee reduction. If you were not dishonorably discharged, and you have a service-connected disability, you are eligible for a 25% reduction in state park entrance fees. 

 

• Copies of vital records. You can get free copies of vital records (marriage, divorce, birth, and death). You must be using the documents for disability or death claims.

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What are my rights and responsibilities with Georgia’s Veterans benefits?

If you meet the requirements, you have the right to Georgia’s Veterans benefits. It is your responsibility to apply for these benefits with the correct agency. 

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Contents

• How can I apply for Georgia's Veterans benefits?

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How can I apply for Georgia’s Veterans benefits?

If you are eligible for a Georgia Veterans benefit, you must apply for that benefit with the correct agency. Georgia Department of Veterans Services (GDVS) exists to help Veterans in Georgia. To learn more about your eligibility and how to apply for certain benefits, contact the GDVS. 

 

You can contact GDVS by:

• Going to your local GDVS office,

• Calling 404-656-2300, or

• Going online.

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