Veteran Status and Categories
The Georgian law on veterans establishes categories of veterans of war and of the defence forces. The law defines veterans of the Second World War and persons equalized with them; veterans of combat operations on the territory of other states and persons equalized with them; veterans of combat operations for the territorial integrity, freedom and independence of Georgia and persons equalized with them; and veterans of the defence forces. The precise determination of status matters, because it is the category that decides which rights and benefits apply to a particular person and which document is needed to confirm them.
The institution of equalized persons creates a legal bridge: the law places them on an equal footing with veterans of the corresponding category and thereby widens the circle of protection to persons who themselves participated in or served the needs of combat operations. In practice, an incorrect determination of the category is often the very reason for the refusal of benefits, which is why legal support in establishing status is worthwhile.
The Social Protection of Veterans
The social protection of veterans comprises pension provision in accordance with the Georgian law on the state pension and other social protection guarantees in accordance with Georgian legislation. This means that pension questions for veterans are resolved under the general pension legislation, while the remaining guarantees flow from other normative acts. The social protection measures for veterans of the defence forces are separately determined by Georgian legislation: the law sets a distinct regime for this group, and the activation of the corresponding benefits rests on that legislation.
It is important that the concrete forms of social protection — state and municipal benefits — are regulated by separate acts, and their circle of recipients is defined by the veteran's category. If a person is refused any benefit, the grounds of that refusal can be verified precisely within the framework of this legislation.
The Veteran's Certificate of Rights
The rights and benefits of veterans are exercised upon presentation of a certificate of a unified standard established for veterans by the Government of Georgia. The sample of the certificate and the rules of its issuance are determined by the Government. This means that the certificate is the single document on the basis of which a veteran enjoys benefits, and the procedure for issuing it is defined at the level of the government.
Modern administration also relies on electronic systems: in administering state and municipal social benefits for veterans, data from the electronic database of veteran registration may be used. Both the physical possession of the certificate and a correct entry in the database therefore matter — an error in the database may obstruct the administration of a benefit, and in that case too a demand must be made to correct the record.
It also matters that the law divides the social protection of veterans into two levels: the first is pension provision and other guarantees within the framework of the current legislation, and the second is the set of measures separately determined for veterans of the defence forces. Under this structure, one and the same person may, on different legal grounds, be entitled simultaneously to several kinds of support, and the correct identification of those grounds considerably increases the effectiveness of protection. A refusal of a benefit is not always well founded: in practice it is often the result of an administrative error, and such a decision is subject to appeal.
Veterans' Public Associations
To safeguard the lawful rights and interests of veterans, corresponding public associations of veterans are created in Georgia, in the autonomous republics, in cities, districts, enterprises, organizations and institutions, and according to place of residence. Within the limits of their competence, these associations facilitate the adoption, in legislative and executive bodies, of decisions on the improvement of the social and living conditions of veterans, and they represent and defend the interests of veterans in state bodies and public associations.
State authorities support the activity of these associations: they provide financial assistance in accordance with Georgian legislation, and for their normal functioning they allocate well equipped working premises, equipment, inventory and property. Veterans' associations are thus not only representative structures but structures supported by the state, cooperation with which promotes the effective protection of rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which document confirms a veteran's rights?
The rights and benefits of veterans are exercised upon presentation of a certificate of a unified standard established by the Government of Georgia. The sample of the certificate and the rules of issuance are determined by the Government.
Which categories of veterans are established by law?
Veterans of the Second World War and persons equalized with them; veterans of combat operations on the territory of other states and equalized persons; veterans of combat operations for the territorial integrity of Georgia and equalized persons; and veterans of the defence forces.
What does the social protection of veterans include?
It comprises pension provision under the law on the state pension and other social protection guarantees under Georgian legislation. The measures for veterans of the defence forces are separately determined by legislation.
Can benefits be administered through an electronic database?
Yes. In administering state and municipal social benefits, data from the electronic database of veteran registration may be used, which simplifies the use of the certificate.
How We Help on Legal.ge
The lawyers of Legal.ge assist in establishing veteran status, in the certificate issuance process, in appealing refusals of benefits, and in correcting entries in the electronic database. Contact us — we will assess your situation and plan the precise path for the protection of your rights.