New Jersey residents who qualify for the state's property tax relief program will begin receiving payments this week. The first round of distributions for the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (Anchor) program is scheduled to start on Monday, September 15, 2025.
The program provides financial relief to homeowners and renters based on their 2024 income, residency, and age. Officials have confirmed that payments will be issued on a rolling basis, with several key deadlines approaching for applicants.
Key Takeaways
- Anchor program payments start on September 15, 2025, for eligible New Jersey residents.
- Benefits can reach up to $1,750 for senior homeowners and $700 for senior renters.
- The general application deadline is October 31, but the deadline for paper check applications is September 15.
- Eligibility is determined by 2024 income, age, and residency status as a homeowner or renter.
Understanding the Anchor Program
The Anchor program is a state initiative designed to lessen the burden of property taxes for New Jersey residents. It provides a direct payment, or rebate, to individuals who owned or rented their primary residence in the state and meet specific income criteria.
According to the New Jersey Treasury Department, this year's benefits are calculated based on circumstances from the 2024 tax year. This includes where you lived on October 1, 2024, your total gross income for that year, and your age.
What is the Anchor Program?
The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (Anchor) program replaced the previous Homestead Benefit program. It expanded eligibility to include more residents, particularly renters, to provide broader property tax relief across the state.
Payment Details and Timeline
The distribution of Anchor benefits will begin on Monday, September 15, 2025. Payments will be sent out continuously as applications are processed.
Most applicants can expect to receive their payment within 90 days of filing their application, provided no additional information is required. The method of payment depends on how the application was filed.
- Direct Deposit: Applicants who file online have the option to receive their payment via direct deposit.
- Paper Check: Those who file a paper application will automatically receive a paper check in the mail.
It is important for residents to ensure their information is up to date. The deadline to change bank account information for direct deposits is also September 15.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount of the Anchor benefit varies based on income, age, and whether you are a homeowner or a renter. The state has set maximum benefit amounts for different categories of residents.
Maximum Benefit Amounts for 2025
- Senior Homeowners (65+): Up to $1,750
- Homeowners (Under 65): Up to $1,650
- Senior Renters (65+): Up to $700
- Renters (Under 65): Up to $450
There is a critical rule regarding the payment amount for homeowners: the benefit cannot exceed the total amount of property taxes paid on their primary residence during the qualifying year (2024).
Who Qualifies for the Rebate?
Eligibility for the Anchor program is divided into two main groups: homeowners and renters. Each group has specific requirements related to residency and income that must have been met in 2024.
Criteria for Homeowners
To be eligible as a homeowner, you must meet the following conditions:
- You owned and lived in a home in New Jersey that was your primary residence on October 1, 2024.
- Your 2024 New Jersey gross income was $250,000 or less.
- Property taxes were paid on that home for the year 2024.
These rules ensure that the relief is directed toward residents who are actively paying property taxes on their main home within the specified income bracket.
Criteria for Renters
Renters also have a path to receiving benefits from the Anchor program. The eligibility requirements for renters are:
- You rented and lived in a residence in New Jersey that was your primary residence on October 1, 2024.
- Your 2024 New Jersey gross income was $150,000 or less.
- Your name was on the lease or rental agreement, and you paid rent.
- The rental property was required to pay local property taxes.
This inclusion of renters acknowledges that property taxes paid by landlords are often passed on to tenants through rent payments.
Important Deadlines and How to Apply
While the payment distribution is starting, the application window is still open. However, several key dates are rapidly approaching that residents should be aware of.
The general deadline to file an application for the Anchor program is October 31, 2025. This gives residents several more weeks to submit their information.
Upcoming Deadlines
- September 15, 2025: This is the final day to file an application if you wish to receive your benefit as a paper check. It is also the deadline to update or change bank account information for direct deposit.
- October 31, 2025: This is the absolute final deadline for all applications for the 2025 Anchor program.
Residents who have already applied or received a confirmation letter from the state can check the status of their rebate online through the New Jersey Division of Taxation website. All information regarding the program is sourced from official communications by the New Jersey Treasury Department.
