A benefit you qualify for can help make the next season a little more manageable.

New Jersey’s ANCHOR property tax relief payments began going out the week of September 15, 2026. For many households, this support can help cover rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, or winter bills.

But if you still need to apply for the 2025 benefit year, there is an important date to remember:

The ANCHOR filing deadline is November 2, 2026

This deadline is firm. New Jersey does not accept late filings for the 2025 ANCHOR benefit year.

If you are not sure whether you qualify, do not count yourself out. Homeowners and renters may both be eligible under different income limits. Family ReBuild of New Jersey is here to help families understand the process, gather information, and connect with additional support when needed.

What is ANCHOR?

ANCHOR stands for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters. It is a New Jersey property tax relief program for eligible residents who owned or rented their principal residence in the state.

The 2025 benefit is based on your residency, housing situation, income, and other details from 2025.

You may qualify if:

• You were a New Jersey resident.
• You owned or rented your principal residence in New Jersey on October 1, 2025.
• You meet the program’s income requirements.
• You meet the other homeowner or renter eligibility rules.

Your principal residence is generally the home where you lived most of the time. A vacation home, second home, or property you rent to someone else does not qualify as your principal residence.

For complete requirements, review the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s ANCHOR eligibility information.

Homeowner and renter income limits

The income limits are different depending on whether you owned or rented your home.

Homeowners

For the 2025 benefit year, homeowners generally qualify if their New Jersey gross income is $250,000 or less.

You must have owned and occupied the home as your principal residence on October 1, 2025. The property must generally be subject to property taxes.

Renters

Renters generally qualify if their New Jersey gross income is $150,000 or less.

You must have rented and occupied a New Jersey residence as your principal residence on October 1, 2025. Your name should generally appear on the lease or rental agreement, and the rental property must meet the program’s requirements.

Some renters may qualify even when the property operates under a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement. If you are unsure whether your rental qualifies, check the official renter eligibility guidance or contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation.

Income limits can feel intimidating, especially when a household’s finances changed during the year. If you are close to the threshold or unsure how to calculate your income, it is still worth reviewing the official instructions and asking for help before deciding not to apply.

Were you filed automatically?

Many eligible residents did not need to start a new application. The state automatically filed for most eligible homeowners under age 65 who were not receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits. Most eligible renters were also filed automatically.

Those residents received an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter with details about the filing.

However, automatic filing does not apply to everyone. You should take action if:

• You did not receive an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter.
• You are age 65 or older.
• You receive Social Security Disability benefits.
• You receive Railroad Retirement Disability benefits.
• Your housing, income, address, or banking information changed.
• You are unsure whether an application was filed for you.

Seniors and people receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits must file Form PAS-1 and should not rely on automatic filing.

If you did not receive a confirmation letter, file an application yourself before the deadline, even if you believe you may have been included in a previous filing.

How to apply for ANCHOR

New Jersey provides several ways to file for the 2025 benefit year.

1. Apply online

The fastest option for many applicants is the New Jersey Property Tax Relief application portal.

Depending on your situation, you may need information such as:

• Your Social Security number or taxpayer information.
• Your New Jersey gross income.
• Your home address from October 1, 2025.
• Property tax information, if you are a homeowner.
• Lease or rental information, if you are a renter.
• Banking details if you select direct deposit.

The state may also ask you to verify your identity through ID.me. Have your identification documents available if prompted.

2. Apply by phone

If you need help applying by phone or have questions about your application, contact the New Jersey Property Tax Relief Hotline at 1-888-238-1233. A representative can help explain the process and direct you to the correct filing option.

3. Submit a paper Form PAS-1

You may also use the paper application. Form PAS-1 is the combined Application for Property Tax Relief. It is especially important for seniors and residents receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits.

You can find paper forms and instructions through the New Jersey Division of Taxation.

Whichever option you use, make sure your application is submitted by November 2, 2026. Keep a copy of your application and confirmation for your records.

When can you expect payment?

ANCHOR payments began on September 15, 2026, and the state is issuing payments on a rolling basis.

Many applicants receive payment within approximately 90 days after their application is processed, unless the state needs more information. Payment may arrive by direct deposit or paper check, depending on your filing details and previous payment method.

If you apply close to the November 2 deadline, your payment may arrive later. Filing sooner gives the state more time to review your application and helps you avoid last-minute problems.

You can use the state’s application status tool to check for updates.

How ANCHOR support can help your household

An ANCHOR payment can provide meaningful breathing room. You may use it to help with:

• Rent or housing costs.
• Utility and energy bills.
• Winter heating expenses.
• Groceries and household needs.
• Transportation costs.
• Other essential family expenses.

For a household already managing displacement, reduced work hours, unexpected repairs, or a natural disaster, every source of support matters.

At Family ReBuild of New Jersey, we know that completing applications can feel overwhelming. You may be balancing work, caregiving, housing concerns, paperwork, and daily needs all at once. Asking for assistance is not a failure. It is a practical step toward stability.

We have helped more than 750 families move forward with confidence and dignity. Our team can walk alongside you as you review your ANCHOR options and look for other resources, including:

• Rent assistance.
• Emergency financial assistance.
• Utility and energy support.
• Meals and essential resources.
• Emotional counseling and community connections.

You can also read our guide to family assistance programs in New Jersey for additional ways to find support.

Do not wait to check your eligibility

If you owned or rented your New Jersey principal residence on October 1, 2025, take a few minutes to review your eligibility.

Check your confirmation letter. Check your filing status. If you need to apply, file before November 2, 2026.

The deadline is hard, and late applications are not accepted. Even if you are uncertain, it is better to ask questions and review the requirements than to miss a benefit that may help your family prepare for winter.

If you need support, contact Family ReBuild of New Jersey. We can help you take the next step and connect you with other assistance that may fit your situation.

You deserve support, stability, and respect

The ANCHOR program is one resource, but it can be an important one. Whether your payment helps with rent, keeps the lights on, or eases the pressure of winter bills, that support belongs in your family’s plan for moving forward.

We are grateful to the volunteers, partners, and community supporters who help families access resources with dignity. Together, we can make a difference.

Check your eligibility today. File by November 2, 2026. And if you need help applying, reach out to Family ReBuild: we are here to walk with you.