NJ ANCHOR Payments Out Now: What to Know in 2026
The New Jersey ANCHOR benefit is hitting mailboxes this month. Here's how to track your status.
It's time once again for many New Jersey residents to claim property tax relief. Thanks to the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program, potentially millions of eligible taxpayers will receive billions in payments in 2026.
The state’s ANCHOR program is designed to provide property tax relief for renters and homeowners, and eligible residents could receive payments as early as September.
When will you get yours?
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We’ll cover what you can expect, the program, and the eligibility requirements — plus, there's still time to apply if you haven't already.
Key Points
- The New Jersey ANCHOR program is designed to provide property tax relief for eligible renters and homeowners.
- The PAS-1 application replaced the old application method for some applicants.
- ANCHOR rebates are going out now.
FAQs
What is the NJ ANCHOR program?
The ANCHOR program is a tax rebate for New Jersey-eligible residents renting or owning homes. The bill was signed into law about four years ago. Since then, millions in the Garden State have been provided property tax relief.
Many taxpayers who applied for ANCHOR last year will be automatically enrolled for this year’s payout.
However, if you are a homeowner who is 65 or older or on Social Security disability payments, you need to complete a PAS-1 application. This is a "one-stop shop" to apply for ANCHOR and other property tax relief programs, NJ "Senior Freeze," and Stay NJ.
- Applicants fill out a single "PAS-1" application for all property tax relief (ANCHOR, "Senior Freeze," Stay NJ).
- Applications can be mailed in, OR
- Applicants can file online.
- The deadline to apply for PAS-1 is November 2, 2026.
If you are under 65 and do not receive Social Security Disability benefits, the PAS-1 application is not for you. However, if you are 65 or older or disabled, you must use the PAS-1 application to get your ANCHOR benefit, even if you do not qualify for Senior Freeze or Stay NJ.
Eligible applicants under 65 or who are not receiving Social Security Disability benefits should have received a letter from the state’s Division of Taxation confirming their eligibility for the NJ ANCHOR program last month.
If you didn't receive an ANCHOR benefit letter but believe you are eligible for the program, you can apply online.
How do I check my NJ ANCHOR benefit status?
The New Jersey Division of Taxation began distributing ANCHOR payments in mid-September 2026. But most benefit recipients will receive their payment about 90 days after their application.
So, for example, if you apply by the November 2 deadline, your ANCHOR rebate may not reach you until January 31, 2027 (though state holidays may delay the payment).
To check the status of your payment or for general New Jersey property tax relief questions, call 1-888-238-1233. The state’s Division of Taxation has an automatic callback feature, allowing you to be placed in a queue rather than wait on hold.
You can also visit one of the state’s Regional Information Centers in person for more information.
How much is the ANCHOR benefit in NJ?
This year’s ANCHOR payments are based on 2025 income limits.
That means if you have been a New Jersey homeowner since 2025...
- With $150k in gross income or less, you'll receive $1,500.
- With $150k to $250k in gross income, you'll receive $1,000.
...and if you have been a renter in New Jersey since 2025, you'll receive $450.
ANCHOR program residents who are renters aged 65 or older will receive a bonus of $250 in addition to the above applicable payment.
What are the NJ ANCHOR application requirements?
There are several eligibility requirements for the ANCHOR program, including:
- Having been a New Jersey resident since October of last year.
- Your 2025 gross income was not more than $250k as a homeowner and $150k as a renter.
- You owned or rented your main home since Oct. 1, 2025, and property taxes were paid on the home, or your rental was subject to property taxes.
- If you were a renter, your name was on the lease, and you paid the rent.
Eligible ANCHOR applicants no longer need an Identification Number and PIN to file a new, manual application online. Instead, manual filers will use ID.me.
However, the state still uses a six-character PIN if you received an automatic Benefit Confirmation Letter and need to change your info or opt out.
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