More than one million New Jersey residents are set to receive payments starting this week as a part of New Jersey’s ANCHOR property tax relief. No application is required for most.
ANCHOR distribution begins on September 15, with payments arriving on a rolling basis, either by check or direct deposit. Total program funding is up to $2.2 billion—part of a broader $4+ billion allocated for property tax relief in the 2026 state budget.
Who’s Eligible, and How Much
Homeowners who owned and lived in their New Jersey home as of October 1, 2025, and made $250,000 or less in 2025, generally qualify for payments.
Renters who lived at their principal NJ residence on that same date, had their name on the lease, and made $150,000 or less are also eligible, since renters pay property taxes indirectly through rent.
Payment amounts vary by age and income:
- Homeowners 65 or older: up to $1,750
- Homeowners under 65, income $150,000 or less: up to $1,500
- Homeowners under 65, income $150,001-$250,000: up to $1,000
- Renters 65 or older: up to $700
- Renters under 65: up to $450
No Increases This Year
There are a few changes to payments this year.
ANCHOR benefits will not increase with inflation, and a $250 bonus previously given to eligible senior homeowners is also discontinued. However, total property tax relief this year also includes $756 million for Stay NJ (seniors only) and $345 million for Senior Freeze (seniors/disabled homeowners only).
Applying vs. Not Applying
Residents who have already received ANCHOR payments in previous years are typically auto-filed, with confirmation letters arriving by mail. If your name, mailing address, or banking information has changed since receiving your last payment, you will need to file a new application by September 15.
First-time applicants will have until November 2 to submit an application online. No tax return, W-2, or lease is required—the state will send a follow up if more information is needed.
You can check your application or payment status at any time on the NJ Division of Taxation website, or call the property tax relief hotline at 1-888-238-1233 with additional questions.
Lifelong Jersey resident and Rutgers and FDU alumnus, Tom La Vecchia is publisher of New Jersey Digest, one of the state’s leading lifestyle media brands. When he’s not growing the Digest, he’s raising four kids, wrangling four cats and pretending it’s all under control. His mission: keep Jersey interesting and impossible to ignore.
