Affordable NJ Communities for Homeowners and Renters. Up to $1,500 for homeowners, up to $700 for renters. No age requirement. Find out what you're owed.
ANCHOR stands for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters. It was created in 2022 to replace the old Homestead Benefit program — and it's significantly better. The benefit amounts are higher, the income limits are more generous, and for the first time, renters are now eligible.
ANCHOR is not a credit on your tax bill. It's a direct cash payment — deposited into your bank account or mailed as a check — that you can use for anything. There are no restrictions on how you spend it.
The program is administered by the NJ Division of Taxation. You apply separately for each benefit year (there's typically a lag — when applications open, you're filing for a prior tax year).
| Who | Income | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowner | ≤ $150,000 | $1,500 |
| Homeowner | $150,001–$250,000 | $1,000 |
| Renter | ≤ $150,000 | $450 |
| Renter, Age 65+ | ≤ $150,000 | $700 |
*Verify current year amounts at anchor.nj.gov — amounts are set annually by the Legislature.
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Requirements differ slightly for homeowners vs. renters. Both must meet the primary residence and income tests.
Two free tools — the ANCHOR estimator for all homeowners and renters, and the Stay NJ calculator for seniors 65+. Takes about 90 seconds.
Answer 5 quick questions and find out your estimated benefit. Takes about 90 seconds. Results emailed to you directly.
Enter your annual tax bill and income to see your 50% credit — paid quarterly starting February 2026. Apply via the PAS-1 form.
Three ways to apply. Online is the fastest. Mail-in is the most common for seniors — but if you're 65+, use the PAS-1 instead.
You'll need your Social Security Number, your NJ property block and lot number (from your tax bill), and your gross income for the benefit year. Renters also need their landlord's name and address.
Online at anchor.nj.gov is fastest. By phone at 1-888-238-1233 if you prefer talking to someone. By paper ANC-1 form if you received one in the mail.
Providing your bank routing and account numbers gets you paid significantly faster than waiting for a paper check in the mail.
You'll receive a confirmation number. Keep it. The State also sends a confirmation letter by mail. Processing typically takes up to 90 days from a complete application.
Plain-English answers to the most common ANCHOR questions — the ones the state website doesn't answer clearly.
For the 2026 application year the amounts are: $1,500 for homeowners with income up to $150,000, and $1,000 for homeowners earning $150,001 to $250,000. Renters get $450 (or $700 if age 65+) with income under $150,000. These are direct cash payments — not credits on your tax bill.
Homeowners who owned and occupied their primary NJ residence on October 1 of the benefit year, with gross income of $150,000 or less, receive the full $1,500 ANCHOR benefit. Income over $150,000 but under $250,000 gets $1,000. Renters don't qualify for the $1,500 — the maximum for renters is $700.
The NJ Division of Taxation mails ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letters to non-senior homeowners and renters starting in August 2026. Once you confirm or file, payments typically process within 90 days. Seniors 65+ who file the PAS-1 by November 2, 2026 receive payments after the filing season closes.
Two ways: visit anchor.nj.gov and use the online status tool, or call 1-888-238-1233 (Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM). You'll need your Social Security Number and the PIN from your Benefit Confirmation Letter. Seniors who filed the PAS-1 can check at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov instead.
Yes — and most renters don't know this. If you rented your primary NJ residence on October 1 of the benefit year and earned under $150,000, you qualify for $450 (or $700 if 65+). Section 8 and most federally subsidized housing tenants don't qualify, but standard apartment renters typically do.
Yes, if you owned and lived there as your primary residence on October 1 of the benefit year, you still qualify even if you sold later. The October 1 date is what counts — not what's happening now. Your current address for the check just needs to be updated in the system.
John Scafide is a licensed NJ real estate agent and 15+ year tax professional based in South Jersey. Get a free answer — no obligation.
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