Stay NJ Explained: How Much Senior Tax Relief Can You Get in New Jersey?
- Author: Russell Sawayn
- Posted: 2026-02-06
New Jersey seniors may soon see thousands of dollars in property tax relief and many don’t yet realize how much they qualify for.
The new Stay NJ program, introduced in 2025, is designed to help older residents reduce rising property taxes and stay in New Jersey after retirement.
If you’re 65 or older and own your home, this is one benefit you’ll want to understand now.
What Is the Stay NJ Senior Tax Relief Program?
Stay NJ is a state-funded property tax relief program for seniors. Unlike credits or deductions, this program reimburses eligible homeowners for 50% of their property taxes.
Here’s how the benefit works:
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Reimbursement: 50% of property taxes paid
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Maximum annual benefit: Up to $13,000
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Benefit cap for 2024: $6,500
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Payments are issued quarterly, not as a lump sum
The program works alongside ANCHOR and Senior Freeze, helping seniors stack multiple forms of tax relief.
Who Is Eligible for Stay NJ?
To qualify for Stay NJ benefits, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Age 65 or older
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Owned and lived in the same New Jersey home for all 12 months of 2024
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Household income under $500,000
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Submitted the PAS-1 form (one-time application)
The PAS-1 application allows eligible seniors to claim Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ benefits together.
Most eligible residents have already received a letter from the New Jersey Division of Taxation confirming whether they qualify and for how much.
When Will Stay NJ Payments Be Sent?
Stay NJ benefits are issued quarterly, not as a single payment.
Key payment details:
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Payments are calculated after ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits
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Issued in four equal quarterly installments
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First 2024 Stay NJ payments begin February 9, 2026
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Payments are sent as paper checks by mail
All property tax relief payments are subject to change based on the State Budget.
Don't miss: Maximum Social Security at 62 in 2026: What You Can Receive
How Do You Apply for Stay NJ?
Seniors only need to submit one application to claim:
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Senior Freeze
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ANCHOR
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Stay NJ
Eligibility is based on age, income, and residency, beginning in 2025.
Application deadline for 2025 benefits: November 2, 2026
Missing the deadline could mean losing out on thousands of dollars in tax relief.
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You may have access to support you didn’t know about. Find out more here!
