Quick Answer for 2026

You can apply for both using the PAS-1 form. Stay NJ is designed to bring your total relief up to 50% of your bill, capped by income: $6,500 if your income is $100,000 or less, $5,000 up to $150,000, and $4,000 up to $200,000. Stay NJ is calculated after your ANCHOR and Senior Freeze payments. If those two programs already reach that amount, your Stay NJ credit will be $0. The 2025 Stay NJ benefit is paid in February and May 2027.

The Comparison Table

Feature Senior Freeze (PTR) Stay NJ
Primary Goal Refunds the increase in taxes Brings total relief up to 50% of your bill
2025 Income Limit $172,475 $200,000
Benefit Cap No limit (varies by increase) $4,000 to $6,500 by income (counting ANCHOR and Senior Freeze)
Residency Req. 3 consecutive years in NJ home Must own/occupy for all of 2025

Visualizing the "Gap" Calculation

Think of Stay NJ as a safety net that "fills the bucket" to 50% of your property tax bill. Here is how it works for a senior with income under $150,000:

Total Tax Bill $10,000
Target Relief (50%) $5,000
-$1,500 (ANCHOR Benefit)
-$1,000 (Senior Freeze Reimbursement)
$2,500 Remaining (Your Stay NJ Credit Amount)

The "Tax Watchdog" Expert Take

Don't be discouraged if your Stay NJ check is smaller than expected. It means your Senior Freeze is doing its job! Because the Freeze "locks in" your taxes at a lower rate from years ago, you are often already receiving significant relief before Stay NJ even touches the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file two different applications?
No. For the 2025 benefit year, both programs are covered under the single PAS-1 Combined Application. If you are 65+ or disabled, this is the only form you need to worry about.
What if I make more than $172,475?
You will be disqualified from the Senior Freeze, but you can still qualify for Stay NJ if your income is $200,000 or less. Between $150,000 and $200,000, the Stay NJ cap is $4,000 a year.

Ready to complete your 2025 application?

Watchdog’s free guided application walks you through the PAS-1 question by question, helps organize the required income information, and prepares the official New Jersey form for you to review, download, print, sign, and mail.

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