FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE
Additional Benefits For Georgia Veterans
As a Veteran in Georgia, you may qualify for valuable state and federal benefits that can improve your financial security, reduce education costs, and provide long-term support for you and your family. Understanding available Georgia disabled veteran benefits can help you maximize the compensation and resources you’ve earned through your service. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) and Department of Revenue administer many of these programs.
Tax Relief
Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans in Georgia
- Any qualifying disabled veteran who is a citizen and resident of Georgia is granted an exemption of the greater of $32,500 or the maximum amount allowable to a disabled veteran under Section 2102 of Title 38 of the United States Code on the homestead that the veteran owns and actually occupies as a residence. This exemption applies to all ad valorem taxation for state, county, municipal, and school purposes. Eligibility generally requires VA rating of 100% total disability (or payment at the 100% rate due to unemployability) or entitlement to certain statutory awards for loss of use of limbs, hands, feet, or vision.
- The same homestead exemption is extended to the unremarried surviving spouse or minor children of a qualifying disabled veteran as long as they continue to occupy the home as a residence.
Family Tuition Assistance
Education Benefits for Georgia Veterans
- Provides educational scholarship assistance (up to $2,000 per academic year, with a lifetime maximum in program rules) to members of the Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservists who served in a combat zone (generally at least 181 days), as well as their eligible children (typically under age 25) and spouses (in cases of death in the combat zone or 100% disability from combat-zone injuries).
- Active-duty military personnel stationed in Georgia, members of the National Guard, and their spouses or dependent children may qualify for in-state tuition at University System of Georgia institutions. U.S. veterans eligible for VA education benefits (and their spouses or dependent children) may also receive resident tuition rates if within three years of separation and intending to become Georgia residents (or under related residency-waiver provisions).
Home Financing
Home Loan Benefits for Eligible Veterans
- Eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses can obtain VA-guaranteed home loans (often with no down payment required by the VA, competitive rates, limited closing costs, and no private mortgage insurance) for purchase, construction, improvement, or refinance of a primary residence through private lenders. GDVS provides benefits navigation.
- The Georgia Department of Veterans Service owns and maintains two skilled nursing care facilities for eligible war veterans. These provide high-quality skilled nursing care. Eligibility generally requires Georgia residency (such as residency for the previous two years or five of the past 15 years).