Georgian World War II veterans, their families to receive financial assistance from Gov’t

The Georgian Government on Monday announced it would provide one-time financial assistance to World War II veterans and family members of deceased servicemembers to mark the 78th  anniversary of the victory over the Nazi Germany by Allied forces in 1945.

Marking the annual celebrations on May 9, the Government Administration said the package would include ₾1,000 ($397) for veterans of the conflict, while family members of those killed during the war would receive ₾500 ($198). 

The Social Service Agency of the Ministry of Health will provide the assistance, while those registered for residence in the capital city receiving it from the Tbilisi City Hall.

Up to 700,000 Georgians served as part of the Soviet armed forces in WWII, with nearly 400,000 killed in armed action, according to the numbers released by the State Service of Veterans Affairs of Georgia. 

Of the servicemembers, 224,000 received various awards for their service, while 164 were granted the highest honour of receiving the title of the Hero of the Soviet Union.

As of April 2023, there were 114 WWII veterans and 624 individuals equal to the veteran status across the country, the Department said.