Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Utilizing Your Local Benefits



Yesterday I told you about this great group that I belong to on Facebook, Veteran 2 Veteran Info.  One of the members had written a post about how he gets $2000 from the state of Massachusetts just for being a 100% disabled veteran.  Really?!!! Because I am always one to take advantage of any types of benefits that are offered I immediately went to the Georgia Department of Veteran’s Affairs website to see what they offered.  I am only 10% but there are things there for me as well.  I have a list of things below, however they are for the state of Georgia.  I advise you to go to your State’s website and see what else is offered.  More information on the services listed below can be found at veterans.georgia.gov.

State Homestead Tax Exemptions
Abatement of State Income Taxes
Ad Valorem Tax on Vehicles
Business Certificate of Exemption
Veterans’ Driver’s Licenses - A veteran is entitled to a free veteran’s driver’s license if he/she
meets the Georgia residency requirement, and if the veteran has a discharge under honorable conditions from the armed forces of the United States for service during a recognized period of war or conflict.
National Guard Driver’s Licenses - Any member of the Georgia National Guard or Reserve who is in good standing and has completed at least one year of satisfactory service is eligible for a free National Guard Driver’s License.
Personal Identification Cards/Veterans’ ID Cards - A veteran who meets the eligibility and residence requirements for a free veteran’s driver’s license and still cannot obtain one may be eligible for a free veteran’s ID card.
License Plates - Commemorative Service License Plates - Anyone who served during active military combat is eligible for a free commemorative service license plate if he/she is Georgia
resident on active duty or a veteran with a discharge from the armed forces of the United States under honorable conditions.
Disabled Veterans’ License Plates - A veteran is eligible for a free disabled veteran’s license plate ifhe/she is a Georgia resident, has qualifying service in the armed forces of the United States, and meets the disability requirements.
Employment Preference
A 5-point credit is extended to war veterans employed by the State of Georgia. A 10-point credit is extended to veterans employed by the State of Georgia with a VA service connected disability of 10 percent or more.
Handicapped Parking
If a disabled veteran’s license plate from Georgia, or any other state, is properly displayed on the veteran’s vehicle, the veteran is authorized to park in parking areas designated for the handicapped without obtaining special handicapped parking area permits.
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses
State Park Entrance Fee Reduction
Vital Statistics - Veterans, dependents, or veterans’ organizations, may obtain copies of marriage, divorce, birth, and death documents without charge through GDVS, provided the copies are to be used for establishing disability or death claims, and the request is in writing.
Veterans Education & Training - The Veterans Education & Training Division of the Georgia
Department of Veterans Service is designated as the State Approving Agency to administer VA On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship Training Programs for the state of Georgia.
State War Veterans Homes
State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries

I would also recommend you check the websites of special attractions and businesses in your area.  Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a 10% discount to veterans.  I’ve found that Lowe’s requires you to be service connected but Home Depot just needs proof you’re a veteran. 

In Georgia, you get into the Atlanta Zoo for free, get a 10% discount at Sky View, and you get 20% off at the Georgia Aquarium.  It’s worth doing a little research because there are tons of businesses that want to thank you for your service, by giving you a discount.

As always, thank you for your support.


TTYL- Be blessed.

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