Understanding Anchor Benefits in New Jersey: What You Need to Know

New Jersey residents are racing against the clock to apply for the ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) benefit program. As the final deadline approaches, eligible homeowners and renters must act quickly to secure their property tax relief.

The ANCHOR program is a state initiative designed to provide financial assistance to residents who own or rent property in New Jersey. It offers significant relief by reducing property tax burdens, particularly for seniors and those with lower incomes.

What Is the ANCHOR Program?

The ANCHOR program was launched to make housing more affordable for New Jersey residents. It provides property tax relief to both homeowners and renters who meet specific income and residency criteria. The program is part of a broader effort to support families and individuals struggling with rising living costs.

This year, the ANCHOR program has introduced a single combined application form, known as Form PAS-1. This form allows applicants to apply for multiple property tax relief programs, including the Senior Freeze and Stay NJ programs. The goal is to simplify the application process and ensure that more residents can access the benefits they are entitled to.

Who Is Eligible for the ANCHOR Benefit?

To qualify for the ANCHOR benefit, homeowners must have owned and occupied a home in New Jersey as their primary residence on October 1, 2024. Additionally, their 2024 gross income must not have exceeded $250,000, and the property must have been subject to property taxes.

For renters, the requirements are slightly different. They must have rented and occupied a residence in New Jersey as their primary home on October 1, 2024. Their name must be on the lease or rental agreement, and they must have paid rent. The rental property must also be subject to local property taxes. For renters, the income limit is $150,000 or less.

Seniors aged 65 or older by December 31, 2024, receive additional benefits. These include an extra $250 for homeowners and $250 for renters, increasing the total benefit amount for eligible seniors.

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount of the ANCHOR benefit depends on the applicant’s income level and whether they are a homeowner or renter. For homeowners with a 2024 gross income of $150,000 or less, the benefit is $1,500. Those with incomes between $150,000 and $250,000 receive $1,000. Seniors in this income range receive an additional $250, bringing the total to $1,250.

Renters with a 2024 gross income of $150,000 or less are eligible for a flat benefit of $450. Senior renters receive an additional $250, making the total $700.

These amounts are determined annually by the state and may vary from year to year. Importantly, the benefit is not based on the actual property taxes paid but rather on income and residency tiers.

How to Apply for the ANCHOR Benefit

The application process for the ANCHOR benefit can be completed online, by phone, or through mail. The New Jersey Division of Taxation website is the primary resource for accessing application information and forms.

Homeowners no longer need an ID and PIN to file online; instead, they will verify their identity through ID.me. This change aims to streamline the process and reduce the risk of fraud.

For seniors aged 65 or older, and those receiving Social Security disability benefits, a new combined application called Form PAS-1 is required. This form allows them to apply for ANCHOR along with other property tax relief programs like Senior Freeze and the upcoming Stay NJ program.

Applicants should have their County/Municipality Code, Block/Lot/Qualifier, property tax amounts, and their 2024 New Jersey gross income readily available when applying. The final deadline to submit an ANCHOR application for the 2024 tax year is October 31, 2025.

Deadlines and Important Dates

The deadline to apply for the ANCHOR benefit is Friday, October 31, 2025. However, the state will auto-file for most eligible residents. Those who need to update their address or bank account information, or who prefer a paper check, must submit a new application by September 15, 2025.

For those who have never filed for the ANCHOR benefit, applications are due by October 31, 2025. Residents can check the status of their payment online using their social security number or individual taxpayer identification number and ZIP code.

Where to Get Help

Residents needing help filing out property tax relief benefit applications can attend an in-person public event at the Division of Taxation on Thursday, October 30, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. The office is located at 3 John Fitch Way in Trenton.

Representatives will assist with filing, determining eligibility, and answering questions. Attendees should bring a photo ID and their social security number. Those applying for Form PAS-1 should also bring 2023 and 2024 income documentation and total billed 2023 and 2024 property taxes.

Payment Information

Payments for the ANCHOR benefit are issued through direct deposit or by check. Payments are expected to begin as early as September 15, 2025, and are typically issued within 90 days of filing, unless more information is needed.

Residents can check the status of their ANCHOR benefit by logging into the official website. If you want to check the status of your ANCHOR benefit, simply log in here.

Conclusion

The ANCHOR program is a vital resource for New Jersey residents seeking property tax relief. With the final deadline approaching, it is crucial for eligible homeowners and renters to apply before October 31, 2025.

By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and payment details, residents can take full advantage of the benefits offered by the ANCHOR program. Whether you are a senior, a renter, or a homeowner, the ANCHOR program is designed to make life more affordable in the Garden State.

Stay updated with the latest news about the ANCHOR program and other important developments in New Jersey.

Author: [Name]

Title/Role: [Job Title or Expertise]

Credentials: [Brief Summary of Qualifications or Experience]

Profile Link: [Optional Profile Link]

Sources:

– New Jersey Department of the Treasury

– New Jersey Division of Taxation

– Anchor Benefit NJ Official Website

Internal Links:

– How to Apply for Property Tax Relief in New Jersey

– Understanding the Senior Freeze Program

– What You Need to Know About the Stay NJ Program

Schema Markup:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Article",
  "headline": "Understanding Anchor Benefits in New Jersey: What You Need to Know",
  "description": "Learn about the ANCHOR program, eligibility, application process, and deadlines for property tax relief in New Jersey.",
  "datePublished": "2025-10-15",
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "[Name]"
  }
}

Featured Snippet:

The ANCHOR program in New Jersey provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and renters. To qualify, applicants must meet specific income and residency criteria. The final deadline to apply is October 31, 2025. Payments are issued through direct deposit or by check, with amounts ranging from $450 to $1,750 depending on income and residency status.

About The Author