This fall rebate could put cash back in your pocket—but time’s running out
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If you’re feeling the squeeze from rising housing costs, you’re not alone—and one state is offering a major rebate program to help ease the burden.
The program is back for another year, and it’s aimed at helping older adults and working families keep more of their hard-earned income.
Whether you rent or own, you could qualify for a meaningful payout if you meet certain income and residency criteria.
But the deadline is quickly approaching, and missing it could mean waiting another year for relief.
Here’s what to know about who’s eligible, how much you could get, and why now is the time to apply.
New Jersey consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for property tax rates, putting added strain on families and retirees alike.
That’s why the state launched the ANCHOR program in 2022 to provide direct relief to both homeowners and renters.
Last year alone, more than 1.8 million residents received a total of $2.1 billion in payments.
Governor Phil Murphy called the program a “game changer,” crediting it with reducing property tax burdens to levels not seen in years.
The amount you qualify for depends on your age, income, and whether you rent or own your primary residence.
Here’s the 2025 breakdown:
You can’t receive more than the total amount you paid in property taxes or rent for the year—so payments are capped at your actual housing expenses.
To be eligible, you must have lived in New Jersey on October 1, 2024 and meet certain income and housing criteria.
The requirements differ slightly for homeowners and renters.
For homeowners:
For renters:
Most people who received ANCHOR checks last year will be automatically reenrolled, but you’ll need to apply again if your details—like age or address—have changed.
The state began issuing payments in September, using direct deposit or paper checks.
However, the window for requesting a paper check has already closed—so if you’re applying now, direct deposit is your only option.
If you apply before the deadline and there are no issues with your application, you should receive your payment within 90 days.
If you haven’t filed yet, there’s still time—but you’ll need to move quickly.
Here’s what to do:
Groceries, gas, and healthcare are all more expensive these days—and every little bit helps.
The ANCHOR benefit was created to ease that pressure, especially for older adults and families on fixed incomes.
Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s worth checking—you could be leaving money on the table.
If you don’t apply by October 31, you’ll have to wait until the next application cycle opens next year.
There’s no late submission period.
That’s why it’s essential to file now if you haven’t already, especially since the process only takes a few minutes online.
New Jersey isn’t alone in rolling out property tax relief. Several states—including Pennsylvania and Texas—have launched similar programs in recent years.
Some are offering refunds, while others provide ongoing tax freezes for older adults.
If you have friends or family in another state, encourage them to look into their local programs too.
The ANCHOR program is a rare chance to receive meaningful property tax relief without a complicated process.
Whether you’re a longtime homeowner or a senior renter, there’s still time to apply and claim your share—but only if you act by October 31.
Don’t miss out on money that could make a real difference this year.
Read next:
Have you already received an ANCHOR check? Are you applying for the first time? We’d love to hear how this program has helped you—or any tips you have for others trying to apply.
Share your thoughts in the comments and help our community make the most of this opportunity!
The program is back for another year, and it’s aimed at helping older adults and working families keep more of their hard-earned income.
Whether you rent or own, you could qualify for a meaningful payout if you meet certain income and residency criteria.
But the deadline is quickly approaching, and missing it could mean waiting another year for relief.
Here’s what to know about who’s eligible, how much you could get, and why now is the time to apply.
A new round of rebate payments is helping ease housing costs for eligible residents this fall. Image source: Pexels / Jonathan Borba.
What is the ANCHOR program?
New Jersey consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for property tax rates, putting added strain on families and retirees alike.
That’s why the state launched the ANCHOR program in 2022 to provide direct relief to both homeowners and renters.
Last year alone, more than 1.8 million residents received a total of $2.1 billion in payments.
Governor Phil Murphy called the program a “game changer,” crediting it with reducing property tax burdens to levels not seen in years.
Also read: Are rebate checks making a comeback? President Trump signals support for new payouts
How much could you get?
The amount you qualify for depends on your age, income, and whether you rent or own your primary residence.
Here’s the 2025 breakdown:
- Senior homeowners (65 and older): Up to $1,750
- Homeowners under 65: Up to $1,650
- Senior renters (65 and older): Up to $700
- Renters under 65: Up to $450
You can’t receive more than the total amount you paid in property taxes or rent for the year—so payments are capped at your actual housing expenses.
Also read: US state rolls out a third relief program with $6,500 rebates—apply before it’s too late!
Who qualifies?
To be eligible, you must have lived in New Jersey on October 1, 2024 and meet certain income and housing criteria.
The requirements differ slightly for homeowners and renters.
For homeowners:
- Must have owned and lived in your primary New Jersey home on October 1, 2024.
- Your 2024 gross income must be $250,000 or less.
- Your property must have been subject to local property taxes.
For renters:
- Must have rented a primary residence in New Jersey on October 1, 2024.
- Your 2024 gross income must be $150,000 or less.
- Your name must be on the lease or rental agreement.
- The rental property must be subject to property taxes.
Most people who received ANCHOR checks last year will be automatically reenrolled, but you’ll need to apply again if your details—like age or address—have changed.
Also read: This new proposal gives Americans a voluntary way to chip in on the nation’s growing tab
When and how are payments sent?
The state began issuing payments in September, using direct deposit or paper checks.
However, the window for requesting a paper check has already closed—so if you’re applying now, direct deposit is your only option.
If you apply before the deadline and there are no issues with your application, you should receive your payment within 90 days.
Also read: A new proposal could bring major changes to property tax bills for older homeowners
How to apply before the October 31 deadline
If you haven’t filed yet, there’s still time—but you’ll need to move quickly.
Here’s what to do:
- Collect your documents: Have your Social Security number, income info, and property or rental details ready.
- Apply online: Go to the official New Jersey Division of Taxation website and look for the ANCHOR application.
- Double-check everything: Errors could delay your payment.
- Submit and wait: Direct deposit payments will arrive within 90 days for most applicants.
Also read: Are you making this costly property tax mistake? One couple lost $76,000—Here’s how to avoid it
Why it’s worth your time
Groceries, gas, and healthcare are all more expensive these days—and every little bit helps.
The ANCHOR benefit was created to ease that pressure, especially for older adults and families on fixed incomes.
Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s worth checking—you could be leaving money on the table.
Also read: This state just passed major property tax cuts—here’s who benefits, and who’s footing the bill
What happens if you miss the deadline?
If you don’t apply by October 31, you’ll have to wait until the next application cycle opens next year.
There’s no late submission period.
That’s why it’s essential to file now if you haven’t already, especially since the process only takes a few minutes online.
Also read: Are you missing out? Find out if you qualify for Trump’s new senior tax break—and how much you could save
Other states are following New Jersey’s lead
New Jersey isn’t alone in rolling out property tax relief. Several states—including Pennsylvania and Texas—have launched similar programs in recent years.
Some are offering refunds, while others provide ongoing tax freezes for older adults.
If you have friends or family in another state, encourage them to look into their local programs too.
The ANCHOR program is a rare chance to receive meaningful property tax relief without a complicated process.
Whether you’re a longtime homeowner or a senior renter, there’s still time to apply and claim your share—but only if you act by October 31.
Don’t miss out on money that could make a real difference this year.
Read next:
- 9 tax breaks for people over 50 you might be missing
- You could be missing out: See if you're owed part of $2.3 million in unclaimed property
- Five free or low-cost retirement perks you may be overlooking
Have you already received an ANCHOR check? Are you applying for the first time? We’d love to hear how this program has helped you—or any tips you have for others trying to apply.
Share your thoughts in the comments and help our community make the most of this opportunity!
