Big Change Coming To NJ's ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program

NEW JERSEY — Seniors and disabled homeowners in New Jersey will notice a big change when they go to apply for the state's property tax relief programs this year, Treasury officials said.

A new application, which the state is rolling out in the coming weeks, will allow these residents to apply for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and the upcoming Stay NJ program all with one form — called the PAS-1. It replaces the previous Senior Freeze forms and ANCHOR applications for residents 65+, and those who are receiving federal Social Security Disability benefits.

The Division of Taxation said it will begin mailing PAS-1 forms to about a million New Jersey seniors and disabled homeowners in March. Recipients can fill out the paper form, or apply online at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov, starting in February.

Benefits will begin going out in July and the combined application will be due on Oct. 31, according to the Division of Taxation.

"Only seniors aged 65 or older and disabled homeowners or mobile homeowners are eligible to use the PAS-1 combined application to apply for the State’s property tax relief programs," officials noted.

Combining the application was a requirement of the "Stay NJ Act" and should make it easier for residents to get their benefits, said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio.

“This new one-stop application will make it simpler for residents to apply for the property tax relief benefits they’re entitled to,” she said. "We’re pleased to offer this convenience to New Jersey’s senior and disabled community first, as many are already familiar with the ‘blue book’ formerly used for Senior Freeze."

Officials said the Senior Freeze application will look different, and residents will no longer need to submit proof of their property taxes or mobile home park site fees with the application. Income eligibility standards have also changed: An applicant’s total annual income must have been $168,268 or less in 2024, and $163,050 or less in 2023, to be eligible.

Also, homeowners who can use the PAS-1 will no longer be required to have an Identification Number and PIN to file for their benefits, the Treasury said.

The Stay NJ program, which is expected to begin in 2026, will provide wealthier senior homeowners with property tax benefits of up to $6,500.

Most other homeowners and renters who typically receive benefits from the ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program will get a letter this summer confirming their eligibility, officials said. Other eligible residents may receive an application mailer.

Click here to read more about the new application.