Georgia Veteran Benefits (2026)
What Georgia offers veterans on top of federal VA benefits — property tax relief, state income-tax treatment of retirement pay, and education programs. Compiled from official state sources.
Property tax exemption
Qualified disabled veterans receive a homestead exemption on their primary residence of up to $121,812 for 2025 and $126,526 for 2026 — an amount indexed each year to a rate set by the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The exemption extends to the un-remarried surviving spouse or minor children who continue to occupy the home.
Military retirement pay & state income tax
Georgia currently exempts up to $17,500 of military retirement income for retirees under 62, plus up to another $17,500 if the veteran has at least $17,500 of earned income; retirees 62 and older use the general retirement-income exclusion ($35,000 for ages 62-64, $65,000 at 65+). House Bill 266, signed in May 2025, expands the exemption to up to $65,000 of military retirement income regardless of age.
Education benefits
The Georgia HERO Scholarship (Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring) provides up to $2,000 per award year, capped at $8,000 total, for Georgia National Guard and U.S. Reserve members who served in combat zones — and for their spouses and children — at University System of Georgia, Technical College System, or HOPE-eligible private institutions.
Also worth knowing
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service operates two skilled-nursing War Veterans Homes for eligible wartime veterans, located in Augusta and Milledgeville.
Where to apply & verify
- Georgia Department of Veterans Service — the official state agency for these programs
- Verified veteran services in Georgia — directory of local organizations
- Georgia veteran resources & news
- VA disability pay dates 2026 · 2026 VA disability rates
Latest Georgia veteran news
Georgia National Guard helicopters are spotting marijuana grows to help police get search
Task & Purpose · Sep 12
Guardsman faces felony charges for pulling gun after grooming standards argument
Task & Purpose · Sep 8
Army unit offers soldiers time off to play new ‘Grand Theft Auto’ if they reenlist
Task & Purpose · Aug 18
100+ VSOs meet in Georgia for VetResources Community Network annual convening
VA News · Aug 12
Other states
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About this information: Compiled July 2026 from official state sources and verified references. Benefit rules change through legislation — always confirm details with Georgia Department of Veterans Service or a Veteran Service Officer before making decisions. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.