If you’re a homeowner over 65, there’s a golden opportunity knocking at your door—and it’s not just the grandkids coming for Sunday dinner.

The US state has rolled out its third major property tax relief program, and this one could put up to $6,500 back in your pocket.

But, as with all good things, there’s a catch: the deadline to apply is coming up fast, and you don’t want to let this one slip by.


If you’ve owned a home in New Jersey for any length of time, you know property taxes here are no joke.

They fund our schools, roads, police, libraries, and parks—but they’ve also been climbing steadily, thanks to rising home values and inflation.

For retirees and those on fixed incomes, these increases can feel like a squeeze that just won’t let up.

That’s why New Jersey has been working overtime to help residents—especially older homeowners—stay put and stay comfortable.

The Stay NJ program is the latest in a series of efforts to keep the state affordable for those who’ve built their lives here.


Stay NJ is a new property tax relief initiative designed specifically for New Jersey homeowners aged 65 and older.

The goal? To help you stay in your home, enjoy your retirement, and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Here’s the headline: If you qualify, you could get a rebate worth 50% of your property tax bill, up to a maximum of $6,500.

That’s real money—enough for a dream vacation, a home upgrade, or just a little extra breathing room in your budget.

Who Qualifies?​

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. To be eligible for Stay NJ, you must:

1. Be at least 65 years old as of 2024.
2. Have owned and lived in your New Jersey home for the entire year of 2024.
3. Have a total income of less than $500,000.
4. Have paid property taxes (or Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax, known as PILOT) on your primary residence.
5. Not be receiving Social Security Disability benefits if you’re under 65 (this program is for seniors only).

If you check all those boxes, you’re in the running!


The Stay NJ rebate is capped at $6,500, which represents half of a property tax bill up to $13,000.

But there’s a twist: the amount you receive will be reduced by any benefits you already get from New Jersey’s other property tax relief programs, like ANCHOR and Senior Freeze.

In other words, Stay NJ is designed to fill in the gaps, not double up on benefits.


Also read: 9 tax breaks for people over 50 you might be missing

How to Apply​

Applying is easier than you might think, thanks to a single application (PAS-1) that covers Stay NJ, Senior Freeze, and ANCHOR. Here’s how to get started:

1. Gather Your Documents: You’ll need proof of identity (driver’s license, state ID, or passport), your most recent property tax bill or info from the Tax Assessor’s office, and your gross income from your latest state tax return.
2. Apply Online or by Mail: Visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation website to fill out the PAS-1 application online. Prefer paper? Print the form and mail it in.
3. Check Your Status: Want to know where things stand? Call 1-888-238-1233 or visit a Regional Information Center for updates
4. Mark Your Calendar: The deadline to apply is October 31, 2025—but why wait? The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll see that rebate.

Checks are expected to start rolling out early next year, after other property tax relief payments have been distributed.


Also read: Millions set to lose government health coverage after new tax law takes effect

Watch Out for Scams​

Whenever there’s money on the table, scammers aren’t far behind. Here are some quick tips to keep your hard-earned cash safe.

1. Verify Ownership: Don’t hand over money to anyone claiming to 'hold' your property or process your application unless you’ve checked their credentials.
2. Check Real Estate Licenses: If you’re working with an agent, confirm their license on the Board of Realtors website.
3. Beware of “Cash for Homes” Offers: These can be legitimate, but they’re often a way for buyers to snap up homes below market value from folks in a pinch.
4. Avoid Predatory Lenders: If someone offers to refinance your mortgage out of the blue, be skeptical.
5. Vet Moving Companies: Get their license number, check for complaints, and never pay in full until your move is complete.

Read next: Essential financial resources for seniors: 25 programs that can help
Are you planning to apply for Stay NJ? Have you benefited from other property tax relief programs in the past? Or do you have tips for navigating the application process?