GEORGIA STATE VETERAN BENEFITS
We endeavor to keep this information current, but it is subject to change without notice.
GEORGIA VETERANS EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Veterans Employment Preference
Georgia grants additional points to examination scores for Veterans seeking employment in the public sector. War veterans receive 5 additional points and Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more receive 10 points.
Business Licenses
Some honorably discharged veterans receive state exemption from paying occupational taxes and fees associated with conducting a business, selling goods or practicing their profession. A To be eligible, the Veteran must have:
- An honorable discharge or at least the character of discharge ‘other than dishonorable’
- Have at least a 25% rated, service-connected disability OR
- Be a wartime Veteran with at least a 10% rated, service-connected disability
Firefighter Qualification
New rules effective January 1, 2019 which means the state of Georgia now accepts military firefighter training as a valid substitute for its required basic firefighting training. This new ruling opens the door to military firefighters wanting to migrate to civilian employment. It affects all full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighter positions, including those at airports.
GEORGIA VETERANS FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Georgia Homestead Exemption
Some Georgia Veterans are eligible to receive a tax exemption for their homesteads. The maximum exemption rate varies each year and depends on multiple factors. Only the local tax assessor with jurisdiction in your area can address your specific questions. However, to be eligible, the Veteran must:
- Be a resident of Georgia and have declared their property to be their homestead
- Be a 100% disabled veteran OR
- Have a loss of vision or limbs and be receiving VA disability for this condition
- Be the surviving spouse of such a Veteran who does not remarry
Vehicle Tax Exemption
Veterans receiving VA disability for loss of eyesight or limbs, or those who have been rated by the VA as permanent and totally disabled, pay no ‘ad valorem’ tax on their personal vehicles.
License Fees & Special Taxes
Should military members become delinquent on license fees or other certain taxes due to being in a combat zone and unable to pay, they can apply to waive the 10% penalty assessment. The Armed Forces member must provide proof of military service in a combat zone and pay taxes in full within 60 days of returning from military service.
GEORGIA VETERAN RECREATION BENEFITS
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
- Veterans returning home from service receive a honorary one-year hunting and fishing license at no charge
- Veterans rated by the VA or DOD as permanently and totally disabled by the can obtain a sportsman’s license at a special, discounted rate
Reduced State Park Admissions
Georgia resident veterans who have an honorable discharge and a service-connected disability can receive a discount card which is good for 25% off entrance fees to all state parks, recreational areas and historical sites in Georgia.
GEORGIA VETERANS HOME
Georgia operates two veterans’ homes in the State. Eligibility criteria for either the state-run home in Augusta or the one in Milledgeville is relatively simple. These homes are available to honorably discharged Georgia resident Veterans who served our country during wartime.
GEORGIA STATE VETERANS CEMETERIES
Deceased Veterans and their families are eligible for internment in one of Georgia’s two State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries. Eligibility criteria for either the cemetery in Milledgeville or in Glennville are the same as eligibility criteria for internment at a National VA cemetery. In addition, you must be a resident and have an honorable discharge or the character of discharge that is other than dishonorable.
You can find more information regarding these benefits and other programs at the Georgia Department of Veterans Services website