State veteran benefits

Veteran Benefits in Georgia

Georgia offers a disabled veteran homestead exemption, partial military retirement income exclusions, and education loans for National Guard members. Veterans can also use state nursing homes, recreation discounts, and state employment preference.

Checked against official state sources on October 2, 2026.

Free help in Georgia

Georgia Department of Veterans Service

The department helps Georgia veterans and their families obtain benefits.

Agency website (opens in a new tab) · Phone: 404-656-2300

Free help with VA claims

GDVS provides free help with veterans benefits. Use the state directory to find a Veterans Field Service Office.

Find a local office (opens in a new tab)

Not sure what applies to you?

Answer seven questions and the Benefits Finder builds a checklist of federal and state benefits, deadlines and free help.

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Property tax relief

Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Exemption

Who qualifies
The main pathway covers honorably discharged Georgia veterans rated 100% totally disabled by VA who own and occupy the home as their homestead.
What you get
Reduces property tax on a qualifying homestead. The exemption applies to state, county, municipal, and school property taxes.
How to apply
File a homestead exemption application with your county tax commissioner or county board of tax assessors. Confirm the applicable filing deadline with that office.

Official page (opens in a new tab) O.C.G.A. 48-5-48

Sources (4)

State income tax

Military retirement pay: Partly exempt

Military Retirement Income Exclusion

Who qualifies
Military retirees under age 62.
What you get
For 2026, exclude up to $17,500 of military retirement income. An additional $17,500 exclusion is available when Georgia earned income exceeds $17,500.
How to apply
Use the Department of Revenue instruction booklet to calculate the exclusion.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (3)

Education and tuition

Georgia National Guard Service Cancelable Loan

Who qualifies
Active Georgia National Guard members in good standing attending an eligible institution. Satisfactory academic progress, Selective Service, student aid standing, and other requirements in the regulations apply.
What you get
A service-cancelable tuition loan. For the 2026 to 2027 award year, public-institution awards use the standard undergraduate tuition rate for at least six and no more than 15 credit hours per term. The lifetime limit is 120 semester or 180 quarter paid hours. A two-year Guard service commitment follows the final funded term.
How to apply
Complete the application and promissory note. Obtain Guard certification and submit to your college financial aid office by the last day of the term or withdrawal date, whichever comes first. Undergraduate applicants must also submit the FAFSA each academic year.

Official page (opens in a new tab) O.C.G.A. 20-3-374; GNG SCL Regulations 3300

Sources (1)

State jobs and hiring preference

Veterans' preference for state employment

Who qualifies
Eligible veterans include honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty during armed conflict. Other Guard, Reserve, disability, spouse, and survivor categories are defined in the rule.
What you get
Eligible veterans receive five points added to a passing numerically scored written entrance examination. Specified disabled veterans and certain spouses or survivors receive ten points instead. Without a numerical examination, agencies must give appropriate consideration.
How to apply
Provide a DD-214 documenting the qualifying service and discharge.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 478-1-.18

Sources (1)

Licenses, plates and parks

Veteran lifetime sportsman license discount

Who qualifies
Honorably discharged Georgia resident veterans ages 16 to 49.
What you get
A 20% discount on the Georgia Adult Lifetime Sportsman’s License, as listed in 2026.
How to apply
Use DNR’s lifetime license application and license assistance options.

Official page (opens in a new tab)

Sources (2)

Veteran driver license and ID designation

Who qualifies
Georgia resident veterans with active military, naval, or air service and a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. National Guard or Reserve members with 20 years of creditable service are also covered by the rule.
What you get
A veteran designation with an American flag on the license or ID.
How to apply
Meet the normal licensing requirements and provide a GDVS eligibility certificate or acceptable DD-214.

Official page (opens in a new tab) Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 375-3-1-.16

Sources (1)

Emergency financial help

We could not confirm this from an official source yet. Ask Georgia Department of Veterans Service or a free veterans service officer what applies to you.

State veterans homes

Changes on the way

  • Takes effect January 1, 2027: HB 266 changes the military retirement exclusion beginning with tax year 2027. It must not be presented as a 2026 benefit. Recheck the new amount and age limit before publishing a 2027 update.
    Sources (1)

Before you apply

This page summarizes state law and agency guidance as checked on October 2, 2026. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Eligibility depends on your records, and laws change, so confirm the details on the official page linked with each benefit, or ask a free accredited representative. This page covers the main state programs. Your county veterans service officer can tell you about smaller or local benefits.

Federal VA benefits apply in every state. See the Veteran Resource Directory and the Benefits Finder.