Veterans Benefits Update 2026
Thousands of veterans are checking available assistance programs this year. See if you qualify.
View ProgramsGeorgia Veteran Benefits 2026: Complete Guide to State Programs and Exemptions
Georgia offers over 50 state-level benefits for Veterans, ranging from tax exemptions to education assistance and employment preferences. Key 2026 updates include the expansion of the military retirement income tax exemption to $65,000 for Veterans of any age**, a **$121,812 homestead property tax exemption for 100% disabled Veterans, and free driver’s licenses and license plates for all honorably discharged Veterans.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Veteran Population | ~608,000 (9th largest in the U.S.) |
| Primary State Agency | Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) |
| 2026 Key Change | Military retirement tax exemption expanded to $65,000 for all ages (HB 266) |
| Homestead Exemption (2026) | $121,812 for 100% disabled Veterans |
| Free Driver’s License | Yes, for all honorably discharged Veterans |
| Free License Plates | Yes, over 180 options available |
| State Employment Preference | 5-point (10-point for disabled Veterans) |
| VA Medical Centers | 2 major centers (Atlanta, Augusta) + 30+ clinics statewide |
Income Tax Benefits
Military Retirement Pay Exemption (New for 2026)
Georgia significantly expanded its military retirement income tax exemption with House Bill 266, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on May 13, 2025 . Beginning with the 2026 tax year, retired military members of any age can exempt up to $65,000 of military retirement income from Georgia state income tax <span class=””>.
What this means: This represents a major improvement over the previous structure, which limited exemptions based on age. Married couples filing jointly can each claim the exemption if both spouses receive military retirement pay <span class=””>.
| Previous Structure | 2026+ Structure |
|---|---|
| Under 62: $17,500 (+$17,500 if earned income) | All ages: $65,000 |
| Ages 62-64: $35,000 | — |
| Age 65+: $65,000 | — |
Who qualifies: The exemption applies to retirement pay from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force .
What you should do next: When filing your 2026 Georgia state taxes, claim the military retirement pay exemption. Consult the Georgia Department of Revenue or a tax professional to ensure you receive the full benefit.
VA Disability Compensation
All VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at both the federal and state level . This applies regardless of your disability rating or where you live.
What this means: The monthly compensation you receive from the VA for a service-connected disability is not subject to Georgia state income tax. This includes:
Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities
Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost sight or use of limbs
Other Tax Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Security Benefits | Not taxed by Georgia |
| Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) | Qualifies for retirement income exemption based on age brackets |
| Combat Zone Tax Forgiveness | Service members killed in combat zones are exempt from all Georgia income tax for the year of death and prior combat-zone years |
| Tax Filing Extension | Service members deployed to combat areas receive automatic extension until 180 days after deployment ends |
| National Guard Tax Credit | Credit for SGLI premiums paid while on active duty for 90+ consecutive days |
Property Tax Exemptions
Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityGeorgia provides a substantial homestead property tax exemption for qualifying disabled Veterans. For 2026, the exemption amount is $121,812 . This figure is indexed annually according to rates set by the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. § 2102 .
Who qualifies: To be eligible, Veterans must meet the following requirements :
Georgia resident
Received an honorable discharge
Has a service-connected, 100% total and permanent disability rating from the VA, OR
Entitled to compensation from the VA at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability, OR
Entitled to compensation 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
Permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a prescribed degree
Surviving spouses:<span class=””> The unremarried surviving spouses and/or surviving minor children of deceased Veterans are also eligible for this exemption .
How to apply:
Obtain a letter from the VA stating your qualifying disability
Complete the Georgia Application for Homestead Exemption
Submit the application to your county tax commissioner’s office by April 1
You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year
Vehicle and Driver’s License Benefits
Free Veteran Driver’s License
Any honorably discharged Veteran who is a Georgia resident is entitled to a free Veteran driver’s license .
Who qualifies:
Veterans of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
National Guard members who served on active duty and received a DD-214
Active National Guard members in good standing with 1+ year of service (distinctive National Guard license)
Spouses: The spouse of a disabled Veteran who cannot drive due to their disabilities, or the unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible deceased Veteran, is also entitled to a free honorary driver’s license .
How to get your free license:
Bring your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) to a Georgia DDS Customer Service Center
Provide proof of Georgia residency and required identification documents
Complete a vision exam
Free Veteran License Plates
Georgia offers over 180 distinctive military and Veteran license plates. All special Veteran plates are free for one vehicle — no registration fee, manufacturing fee, or annual fee .
Popular Veteran plate options include:
Veteran (with branch seal)
Woman Veteran
Disabled Veteran
How to apply: Apply at your county tax office with Form MV-9W and your DD-214 or supporting documentation <span class=””>.
Vehicle Tax Exemptions
Veterans with 100% service-connected disability (including those rated less than 100% but compensated at the 100% level due to individual unemployability) are exempt from :
Ad valorem taxes on one vehicle with Disabled Veteran plates
Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) on one vehicle
Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients with the corresponding specialty plates also receive these exemptions .
Recent change: Legislation has eliminated the requirement that a Veteran must have a Georgia Disabled Veteran license plate to be eligible for this tax exemption. Eligible Veterans can choose any Georgia license plate and are still eligible for an exemption .
Handicapped Parking
Veterans displaying a Disabled Veteran license plate from Georgia (or any other state) are authorized to park in handicapped parking spaces without obtaining a separate handicapped parking permit .
Education Benefits
Georgia National Guard Service Cancelable Loan (GNG SCL)
The Georgia National Guard Service Cancelable Loan pays up to 100% of undergraduate tuition at any Georgia public college or university for up to 120 semester hours .
Key features:
Can be applied to undergraduate or graduate programs
Covers tuition only (not fees, books, or housing)
Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
Can be combined with HOPE Scholarship, HERO Scholarship, Federal Tuition Assistance, and GI Bill benefits
Loan is canceled through continued National Guard service (2 years after last term funded)
Eligibility requirements:
Active member in good standing with the Georgia National Guard
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution
Not in default on federal or state educational loans
HERO Scholarship
The Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring (HERO) Scholarship provides up to $2,000 per year for up to 4 years to :
Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservists who deployed to combat zones on or after February 1, 2003
Spouses of qualifying service members (if member was killed or disabled in combat)
Dependent children born before the deployment
Eligibility categories: Students who meet eligibility requirements can receive up to $8,000 total. Each child earns one year of scholarship for every 181 days the parent served in the combat theater .
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act and Georgia policy, veterans using GI Bill benefits are charged in-state tuition rates at Georgia public institutions for up to 3 years after separation, regardless of their official state of residence .
Dependents: Dependents of active-duty service members stationed in Georgia also qualify for in-state rates .
HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships
Veterans who are Georgia residents may qualify for the HOPE Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship. These can be combined with VA education benefits, though the HOPE/Zell Miller funds are applied first before GI Bill benefits .
University of North Georgia Military Scholarship
This officer-producing program provides a full scholarship covering room, board, tuition, fees, uniforms, and books for up to 4 years at the University of North Georgia (valued at approximately $85,000). Recipients agree to serve 8 years in the Georgia National Guard .
Georgia Military College State Service Scholarship
Similar to UNG’s program, this covers 2 years at Georgia Military College with a commitment to serve 4 years in the Georgia National Guard .
High School Diplomas for War Time Veterans
Veterans who did not receive a high school diploma due to leaving high school to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, Korea, or Vietnam are eligible to receive a high school diploma .
How to apply: Applications can be made through the board of education of the school district where the Veteran attended high school .
Employment Benefits
State Employment Veterans’ Preference
Georgia provides hiring preference for Veterans seeking state government employment through a point system added to pre-employment examination scores :
| Preference | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| 5-point preference | Veterans who served on active duty during periods of armed conflict and received an honorable discharge |
| 10-point preference | Disabled Veterans with a 10% or greater service-connected disability rating, Veterans over 55 receiving disability pension, unremarried surviving spouses of Veterans who died during armed conflict, or spouses of disabled Veterans who cannot qualify for employment due to their disability |
What this means: When agencies don’t use numerically scored examinations, Veterans with equivalent qualifications receive preference over non-Veteran applicants. During reductions in force, employees with Veterans’ preference must be retained over those without .
Private Employer Veterans’ Preference
Under Georgia Code § 34-1-8, private employers in Georgia may legally create and use written Veterans’ preference employment policies for hiring, promotion, or retention during layoffs. This provides legal protection for employers who want to prioritize Veteran hiring .
Professional License Portability
Georgia expedites occupational licensing for military spouses and separating service members. The Secretary of State’s office provides licenses by endorsement within 90 days for qualified military-connected applicants .
Occupation Tax Exemption
Honorably discharged Georgia Veterans with a VA disability rating of at least 10% can obtain a certificate exempting them from any occupation tax, administrative fee, or regulatory fee imposed by local governments for peddling, conducting a business, or practicing a profession for a period of 10 years .
How to apply: Contact the GDVS Atlanta field office .
Healthcare Benefits
VA Medical Facilities in Georgia
Georgia has two major VA medical centers and 30+ community-based outpatient clinics across the state .
Major VA Medical Centers:
Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center — 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA
Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center — 950 15th Street, Augusta, GA
Carl Vinson Veterans’ Administration Medical Center — 1826 Veterans Boulevard, Dublin, GA
VA Clinics are located in:
Albany, Athens, Brunswick, Columbus, Covington, Hinesville, Macon, Milledgeville, Perry, Rome, Savannah, Statesboro, Tifton, Valdosta, Warner Robins, Waycross, and many more .
Healthcare Coverage Options for Veterans Without VA Care
If you are a Veteran who isn’t enrolled in VA benefits or other Veterans health coverage, you can get coverage through Georgia Access . Depending on your household size and income, you may:
Get lower costs on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs on private insurance
Qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Georgia Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids®
Dependents: If your dependents aren’t eligible for a VA health care program, they can get coverage through Georgia Access .
Mental Health Resources
Georgia has a robust network of VA Vet Centers with counselors who can help discuss loss, grief, and the transition from military to civilian life .
Additional mental health resources:
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities — Mental healthcare for children, young adults, and families
Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic at Aspire Health Partners — High-quality mental health services for individuals, couples, families, and group therapy for the entire military community
Housing Assistance
VA Home Loans in Georgia
VA home loans offer several advantages over conventional mortgages :
$0 Down Payment — Most borrowers don’t need to pay anything upfront
No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) — Can save hundreds of dollars per month
Flexible Eligibility — Available to active-duty service members, Veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and qualifying surviving spouses
Eligibility: 90 days of wartime service OR 180 days during peacetime = eligible. VA loans can be reused with remaining/restored entitlement .
Georgia Dream Peach Select VA Loan Program
Launched on March 15, 2024, the Peach Select VA Loan Program is Georgia’s targeted effort to make homeownership more affordable for Veterans .
Features:
Below-market interest rates (starting at 5.00% with weekly adjustments)
No separate down payment assistance required
Minimum 640 credit score required
Only $500 minimum investment
100% Loan-to-Value (LTV) financing
30-year fixed-rate mortgage
VA Housing Grants
The VA offers housing grants for Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities to buy or remodel a home to make it more accessible :
| Grant Type | Maximum Amount | Qualifying Disabilities |
|---|---|---|
| SAH Grant | Up to $85,645 | Loss of use of more than one limb, blindness in both eyes + loss of a leg, severe burns |
| SHA Grant | Up to $17,130 | Blindness in both eyes, loss of use of both hands, severe burns, certain respiratory injuries |
How to apply: Complete VA Form 26-4555 and mail to your nearest regional loan center .
How to Apply for a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility
Apply online through the VA website, or
By mail: Complete VA Form 26-1880 and mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Atlanta Regional Loan Center
P.O. Box 100023
Decatur, GA 30031-7023
Hunting, Fishing, and Recreation Benefits
Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Resident Veterans may purchase a Georgia Sportsman’s license at a 20% discounted price, which includes all state paid recreational hunting and fishing privileges .
One-time free license: Available to Veterans discharged after July 1, 2005 .
State Park Entrance Fee Reduction
If you were not dishonorably discharged and have a service-connected disability, you are eligible for a 25% reduction in state park entrance fees .
Pending legislation: SB 190 proposes waiving fees for Veterans and family members for state parks, memorials, historic areas, and recreation areas .
Georgia War Veterans Nursing Homes
What Are Georgia War Veterans Nursing Homes?
Georgia operates skilled nursing care facilities specifically for war Veterans who need long-term care .
Who qualifies: War Veterans who meet eligibility requirements for admission to one of Georgia’s War Veterans nursing homes .
Pending legislation: SB 555 proposes including parents or spouses of Veterans in eligibility for Georgia War Veterans’ Homes .
What you should do next: Contact the Georgia Department of Veterans Service to determine eligibility and apply for admission.
Burial and Cemetery Benefits
Georgia State Veterans Cemeteries
House Bill 53 (2025) expanded eligibility for burial in Georgia’s state Veterans’ cemeteries to include reserve component members, such as those serving in the Army Reserve or the National Guard, as well as their families .
House Bill 985 (2026) extends burial eligibility to Veterans from the Hmong-Laotian special guerrilla units who served with U.S. forces during the Vietnam War .
How to Apply for Georgia Veterans Benefits
Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS)
The GDVS assists Veterans, retired service members, and their families find and apply for Veterans benefits under federal, state, and local laws .
Contact GDVS:
Visit a local GDVS office (over 50 offices statewide)
Call: 404-656-2300
Visit the GDVS website
What GDVS can help with:
Filing VA disability claims
Appealing past VA decisions
Applying for state-level benefits
Developing claims at no charge
Women Veterans and Military Spouses
The GDVS has a dedicated Women Veteran and Military Spouse First Year Checklist to help women Veterans and spouses navigate benefits after transitioning to civilian life or moving to Georgia .
Key resources for women Veterans and spouses:
WorkSource Georgia — Job search assistance
Unite Georgia — Connects Veterans and families to verified partner organizations for child care, food, education, employment, and more
Child Care Aware® of America — Childcare assistance
Georgia Military Women — Community and resource connections
Upcoming Legislation and Changes
2026 Legislative Activity
| Bill | What It Does | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HB 266 | Expands military retirement tax exemption to $65,000 for all ages | Signed into law (May 2025) |
| SB 31 | Exempts all military retirement income from state taxes | Pending |
| HB 985 | Extends burial eligibility to Hmong-Laotian Veterans | Passed Senate, awaiting Governor signature |
| HB 108 | “Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act” — Regulates third-party, for-profit consultants who help Veterans navigate VA claims | Under consideration |
| SB 429 | “Housing for Heroes Act” — Expands housing accessibility for disabled Veterans | Under consideration |
| SB 190 | Waives fees for Veterans and family members for state parks and recreational areas | Under consideration |
Common Questions
What new Georgia Veterans benefits started in 2026?
The military retirement income tax exemption expanded to $65,000 for Veterans of any age, effective with the 2026 tax year . The homestead exemption for 100% disabled Veterans is now $121,812 for 2026 .
Does Georgia tax military retirement pay in 2026?
Yes, but up to $65,000 is exempt for all ages. Veterans under 62 now qualify for the same $65,000 exemption that previously only applied to Veterans 65 and older .
How much property tax exemption do disabled Veterans get in Georgia?
100% disabled Veterans with a service-connected disability can exempt $121,812 of their home’s value from property taxes (2026 rate) .
Do Georgia Veterans get free driver’s licenses?
Yes. Any honorably discharged Veteran who is a Georgia resident is entitled to a free Veteran driver’s license .
Does Georgia offer free license plates for Veterans?
Yes. Georgia offers over 180 military and Veteran license plates. All special Veteran plates are free for one vehicle — no registration fee, manufacturing fee, or annual fee .
What education benefits does Georgia offer Veterans?
Georgia offers the Georgia National Guard Service Cancelable Loan (up to 100% tuition), HERO Scholarship (up to $2,000/year), in-state tuition for Veterans using GI Bill benefits, and military scholarships at the University of North Georgia and Georgia Military College .
Do Georgia Veterans get hiring preference for state jobs?
Yes. Veterans receive 5-point preference (10-point for disabled Veterans) when applying for state government employment .
What is the Georgia Dream Peach Select VA Loan Program?
Georgia’s Peach Select VA Loan Program offers VA loans with below-market interest rates, no down payment requirement, a minimum 640 credit score, and only $500 minimum investment .
Are VA disability payments taxable in Georgia?
No. All VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at both the federal and state level .
How many Veterans live in Georgia?
Georgia has approximately 608,000 Veterans — the 9th largest Veteran population in the country . More than 40% of Georgia Veterans receive Social Security benefits .
Key Takeaways
New for 2026: Military retirement income up to $65,000 is now exempt from Georgia state income tax for Veterans of any age under House Bill 266 .
Homestead exemption: 100% disabled Veterans can exempt $121,812 of their home’s value from property taxes (2026 rate) .
Free driver’s licenses and license plates: All honorably discharged Georgia Veterans receive free driver’s licenses and free Veteran license plates (over 180 options) .
State employment preference: Veterans receive 5-point preference (10-point for disabled Veterans) when applying for state government jobs .
Education benefits: Georgia National Guard members can receive up to 100% tuition coverage through the Service Cancelable Loan program. The HERO Scholarship provides up to $2,000 per year for Guard/Reserve members deployed to combat zones and their families .
VA disability compensation is tax-free: All VA disability compensation is completely exempt from Georgia state income tax .
Vehicle tax exemption: 100% disabled Veterans are exempt from ad valorem taxes and Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) on one vehicle .
Georgia Dream Peach Select VA Loan: Offers below-market interest rates, $0 down, and a $500 minimum investment for eligible Veterans .
GDVS assistance: The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has over 50 offices statewide and can help file claims and appeals at no charge .
Expanded cemetery eligibility: HB 53 (2025) extended burial eligibility in state Veterans’ cemeteries to reserve component members and their families .
Official Resources
Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS): veterans.georgia.gov
GDVS Veteran Field Service Offices Directory: veterans.georgia.gov/offices
Georgia Department of Revenue: dor.georgia.gov
Georgia Access Health Insurance: georgiaaccess.gov
VA Home Loans (VA.gov): va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans
VA Medical Center Locator: va.gov/find-locations
Georgia Dream Peach Select VA Loan Program: dca.ga.gov
WorkSource Georgia Employment: worksourcega.com
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
