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According to the VA, Georgia is home to 656,500 veterans and almost 40% of them are living with service-related disabilities. At the end of 2024, 260,880 Georgia veterans were receiving VA disability compensation. To support the needs of this large community, Georgia has a wide range of benefits tailored specifically for disabled veterans and their families.  

In addition to federal VA benefits, the state of Georgia offers veterans property tax exemptions, education and employment opportunities, counseling, assistance programs, transportation discounts, and more. 

The Hill & Ponton guide helps Georgia’s disabled veterans (and those who support them) learn about all the state and federal benefits they may be entitled to. It explains the specific programs and resources offered by the State of Georgia and walks through how to qualify and apply for each one. 

Disabled Veterans Tax Exemptions

Georgia Income Tax Benefits for Veterans 

Permanently and totally disabled veterans, as well as veterans aged 62 or older, can exclude up to $17,500 in military retirement income from Georgia state income taxes, plus an additional $17,500 exemption if the veteran has earned more than this amount in nonmilitary income. Learn more. 

State Income Tax Forgiveness for Combat Deaths 

If a service member dies due to injuries or disease incurred in a combat zone, Georgia forgives any state income tax owed during the year of death. This applies to National Guard and Reserve personnel as well. 

Do 100% Disabled Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Georgia? 

The state of Georgia offers a tax exemption to veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability or are compensated at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability (TDIU). The Homestead Tax Exemption allows up to $85,645 of the assessed value of the homestead to be exempt from all ad valorem taxation. The tax exemption applies to the veteran’s primary residence and continues for unremarried surviving spouses and minor children if the veteran dies due to service-connected causes. 

Tax Exemptions for Partially Disabled Veterans

Veterans with less than a 100% disability rating don’t qualify for the homestead exemption available to 100% disabled veterans but may still benefit from general homestead exemptions or those based on income or age through their local tax office. Check with your county’s Tax Assessor’s Office for local options.

Transportation Benefits

Free Driver License and ID Cards 

Veterans in Georgia who were honorably discharged are eligible for a free Georgia driver’s license or identification card. Spouses of disabled veterans may also qualify for an honorary driver’s license. To apply, veterans must provide a DD214 and proof of residency. More info here. 

Do Disabled Veterans Pay Tolls in Georgia? 

No. Veterans with a Georgia Disabled Veteran license plate are exempt from paying tolls on Georgia roads, including the I-85 Express Lanes and other state-operated toll routes. To qualify, veterans must have a VA disability rating of 100% (or receive TDIU benefits) and must apply for the plate through the Department of Revenue. More Info. 

Do Veterans Get Free Car Registration in Georgia? 

Yes. Veterans eligible for the Disabled Veteran license plate receive free vehicle registration for one vehicle used for personal transportation. This includes exemption from ad valorem and title ad valorem tax (TAVT). Veterans must have a 100% disability rating or be compensated at 100% due to unemployability. Apply through your local County Tag Office. 

Do Veterans Pay Sales Tax on Vehicles in Georgia? 

Most veterans must pay sales tax on vehicles, but those who qualify for the Disabled Veteran plate are exempt from paying certain vehicle-related taxes, such as TAVT and ad valorem taxes on one personal-use vehicle. 

The Ad Valorem Tax Exemption on Vehicles Owned by Disabled Veterans 

This exemption removes both the title and annual ad valorem tax for one vehicle. It is available to 100% disabled veterans or who qualify due to loss of limbs, blindness, or permanent immobility. 

Motor Fuel Service for Disabled Veterans 

Georgia law requires gas stations to provide refueling assistance to disabled veterans with a Disabled Veteran license plate. Find out more. 

Education Benefits

Do Disabled Veterans Get Free College in Georgia? 

Georgia does not offer fully free college for disabled veterans, but those who served in combat zones as members of the Georgia National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves can request a waiver for the mandatory fees at public colleges and universities. Spouses and children of deceased or severely disabled veterans may be eligible for federal benefits such as DEA and state scholarships. Get more info from the University System of Georgia. 

Employment Benefits 

  • Veterans Employment Preference – Georgia offers veterans employment preference by adding points to passing pre-employment examination scores: 5 points for veterans applying for state jobs, and 10 points for veterans with a service-connected disability. 
  • VECTR Center – The Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center (VECTR) in Warner Robins provides career counseling, job training, licensing programs, and educational support. 
  • Disabled Veteran Business Exemption – 100% disabled veterans may apply for a Certificate of Exemption to waive business license fees in some cities or counties. Contact your city or county office to check availability. 

Recreation Benefits

Do Veterans Get a Discount at Georgia State Parks? 

Yes. Disabled veterans can receive discounted entrance to Georgia state parks and historic sites. Wartime veterans and those with service-connected disabilities are eligible for reduced fees or free annual park passes. Details on discounts. 

For more information, visit the Virginia State Parks Passes page. 

Can Georgia Veterans Get a Disability Discount for Fishing and Hunting Licenses?

Yes. Veterans with a 20% or higher VA disability rating can purchase a discounted lifetime sportsman’s license. The license includes hunting, fishing, and access to Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Apply here. 

Healthcare Benefits

The state provides healthcare coverage and compensation for Georgia National Guard members injured, disabled, or killed while on State Active Duty. These benefits help cover treatment and support for service-related conditions. Veterans can access health care through several major VA facilities in the state: 

  • Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033 – (404) 321-6111 
  • Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, 1 Freedom Way, Augusta, GA 30904 – (706) 733-0188 
  • Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, 1826 Veterans Blvd, Dublin, GA 31021 – (478) 272-1210 

Georgia War Veterans Homes 

Georgia operates two long-term care facilities for eligible veterans. Applicants must have served in wartime, be Georgia residents, and be eligible for VA healthcare. 

  • Georgia War Veterans Home, 1101 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30901 – (706) 721-2531 
  • Georgia War Veterans Home, 2249 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville, GA 31061 – (478) 445-3234 

Burial and Survivor Benefits

While Georgia does not currently operate state veterans cemeteries, eligible veterans can be buried in national cemeteries located within the state or nearby, often at no cost to the family. To qualify for burial in a national cemetery, veterans generally must have received an honorable discharge. Spouses and eligible dependents may also qualify for burial in the same plot. 

Families can receive help from Georgia’s Department of Veterans Service in arranging burial honors, securing headstones, flags, and presidential memorial certificates, and applying for survivor benefits – these include continued property tax exemptions, healthcare, DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation), education assistance, and access to state veteran resources. Find out more about getting survivor benefits. 

Federal Benefits Available to Georgia Veterans 

Besides Georgia’s specific benefits, disabled veterans also get a wide range of federal VA disability benefits, including: 

Eligibility for some of these benefits depends on the disability rating percentage. Use the links below to see what federal benefits Georgia veterans can get with a rating of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc.

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits 

Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of federal VA benefits, including:

  • Full monthly VA compensation  
  • Full VA healthcare coverage  
  • Dental care  
  • Adaptive equipment grants  

See all federal benefits for a 100% disabled Georgia veteran →

100% Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse and Dependents

Spouses and family members of 100% disabled veterans may also be able to get several benefits: 

  • CHAMPVA healthcare  
  • DIC eligibility  
  • Education benefits  
  • Continued property tax exemption  
  • Access to Georgia state resources  

Benefits for Toxic Exposure

Veterans who served at a military base and later developed health issues linked to environmental hazards may be entitled to VA benefits. Hill & Ponton has decades of experience in helping veterans get compensation for conditions caused by toxic exposure. 

Georgia Military Bases with Potential Toxic Exposure 

If you served at a base in a different state, you can find yours on our toxic exposure map: https://www.hillandponton.com/toxic-exposure/. 

Getting VA Disability in Georgia

Getting through the VA disability claims process can be tricky, but there are local and national resources to help guide you. These resources include local veteran groups, state-supported VA services, and experienced disability attorneys. 

How to Apply for VA Benefits in Georgia – Free Guide 

Attorney Matthew Hill has written THE book on how to get VA disability compensation and benefits. And it’s yours free of charge. We also offer a free online course for easy, immediate access.  

Georgia State Legal Aid and Resources 

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) provides statewide assistance with VA claims, accessing healthcare, education, housing programs, and survivor benefits. Find your nearest GDVS office here. 

Georgia veterans facing certain non-violent legal charges may be eligible for Veterans Treatment Courts, which focus on rehabilitation and connecting veterans with treatment and VA benefits instead of traditional sentencing. These courts are available in select counties. Learn more.

Help from Experienced Lawyers 

Our VA-accredited lawyers proudly represent Georgia veterans who were denied or underrated by the VA, with no upfront costs. Contact us for a free evaluation – even if we don’t take your case, we’ll point you in the right direction! 

Hill & Ponton has successfully assisted disabled veterans all over Georgia. Find out more: