Millions of New Jersey homeowners and renters may receive up to $1,500 in state-funded benefits before the end of 2025 through the ANCHOR property tax relief program—a major initiative designed to offset some of the highest property taxes in the United States. Although many have referred to these rebates as “stimulus checks,” the program is not part of federal pandemic-style relief but originates directly from the New Jersey state budget.
The ANCHOR program, managed by the New Jersey Treasury Department, replaced the former Homestead Benefit and has grown into one of the largest state relief systems, supporting an estimated 1.8 to 2 million households annually.
What Is the ANCHOR Program?
Unlike Trump-era federal stimulus checks, ANCHOR is a recurring state rebate aimed at reducing the burden of property taxes. Eligibility for the 2025 payment cycle is determined by a household’s 2024 living situation, while payments are issued throughout late 2025 and early 2026. This one-year evaluation-and-payment structure is built into the program’s administrative process.
Because ANCHOR is funded annually, its continuation depends on the state budget approved by the governor and legislature each fiscal year.
ANCHOR Benefit Amounts for 2025
Relief amounts are based on homeownership status, 2024 gross income, and age. For the 2025 cycle:
Homeowners
- Income $150,000 or less → $1,500
- Income $150,001 to $250,000 → $1,000
- Seniors 65+ → Additional $250 bonus
Renters
- Income up to $150,000 → $700
- Income $150,001 to $250,000 → $450
- Seniors 65+ → Additional $250 bonus, subject to caps
For qualifying senior landlords, maximum benefits can reach $1,750.
Important rule for tenants: your rent must contribute toward local property taxes. Most standard rentals qualify, but some federally subsidized housing, such as Section 8, may not. Eligibility is reviewed individually.
Eligibility Requirements for Renters Under ANCHOR
To qualify, renters must:
- Be a legal resident of New Jersey
- Occupy their primary residence as of October 1, 2024
- Provide documentation showing property taxes were paid through rent
- Have 2024 gross income within program limits (generally up to $150,000, with some brackets up to $250,000)
The residence cannot be a vacation home or investment property. Individuals over 65 or receiving SSDI may have additional documentation requirements during application.
Residency and income verification are key anti-fraud measures. Applications missing valid proof may be placed on hold or denied until corrected.
ANCHOR 2025 Payment Schedule
Payments for the 2025 cycle began on September 15, 2025 and were issued in waves:
- Automatic applications were processed in September 2025 for most SSDI beneficiaries under age 65.
- Individuals over 65 or not part of the auto-processing group had until October 31, 2025 to apply using the PAS-1 form.
- Payments are issued within 90 days of approval.
- Early applicants received funds in September and October.
- Those who applied close to the deadline may receive payments in November or December 2025, or even January 2026 if additional verification was required.
Payments are sent only via direct deposit or mailed checks. The program does not offer prepaid debit cards—unlike certain federal relief programs.
As of November 23, 2025, a large number of payments were still being processed, particularly for October applicants and cases requiring additional documentation.
Why ANCHOR Matters for New Jersey Residents
With New Jersey consistently ranking among the states with the highest property taxes, the ANCHOR rebate offers significant relief—especially for seniors, low-income renters, and homeowners in high-tax counties.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs continues to stress the program’s importance in easing housing affordability challenges statewide.
