Message from Councilman Roc White – August 21, 2026

New Jersey's ANCHOR property tax relief program is reminding eligible homeowners and renters to meet upcoming application deadlines as the state begins distributing benefit continuation letters to eligible residents. ANCHOR stands for "Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters" and provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and renters based on income and residency requirements.

Councilman Roc White shared an important reminder about the ANCHOR program as residents across Scotch Plains and Union County prepare for the September 15, 2026 application deadline. The state began sending benefit continuation letters to eligible residents on August 10, 2026, with key deadlines approaching for program participants.

Union County Life covers Scotch Plains municipal government, property tax relief information, and civic services across all 21 Union County municipalities.

ANCHOR Program Overview and Eligibility

ANCHOR provides property tax relief to eligible New Jersey homeowners and renters meeting income and residency requirements. Eligibility for the 2025 benefit year is based in part on where residents owned or rented and occupied their principal residence on October 1 of last year.

The program serves both homeowners and renters, with separate benefit amounts and eligibility criteria for each category. Income limits and residency requirements determine eligibility for both groups.

Automatic Filing for Most Residents

Most eligible homeowners under age 65 who are not receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits, as well as most eligible renters, will have their ANCHOR applications filed automatically by the state on September 15, 2026. Residents receiving confirmation letters with correct information generally do not need to take action.

If prior benefits were received by direct deposit, the state will use the same banking information for the 2025 benefit. Residents should verify confirmation letters and report any incorrect information.

Key Deadlines and Application Requirements

Multiple deadlines require resident awareness and action:

September 15, 2026: Deadline for residents needing to change banking information or request a paper check instead of direct deposit. This deadline applies to those receiving automatic filing but requiring payment method changes.

November 2, 2026: Deadline for residents who did not receive a confirmation letter or need to apply. Also applies to those seeking relief for qualifying property owned or rented on October 1, 2025.

Homeowners age 65 or older and homeowners receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits must file the PAS-1 Application for Property Tax Relief by November 2. These residents are not included in the automatic filing process and must complete applications manually.

Benefit Amounts and Income Eligibility

For the 2025 ANCHOR benefit year, benefit amounts are tiered based on resident income:

Eligible homeowners with New Jersey gross income of $150,000 or less may receive $1,500 in property tax relief. Homeowners with income between $150,001 and $250,000 may receive $1,000.

Eligible renters with income of $150,000 or less may receive $450 in relief.

Applicants age 65 or older by December 31, 2025 may receive an additional $250 supplement regardless of homeowner or renter status.

Payment Timeline and Distribution

ANCHOR payments will begin on September 15, 2026 and be issued on a rolling basis. Most applicants will receive payment within 90 days of application. Residents who had direct deposit in prior benefit years will receive payments through the same banking information unless changes are requested by September 15.

Direct deposit expedites payment delivery. Residents requesting paper checks should note that processing may take longer than direct deposit payments.

Resident Verification and Confirmation Letters

Residents receiving confirmation letters should review information for accuracy. If information is correct, residents generally do not need to take action beyond receipt and verification.

Residents who received ANCHOR benefits in prior years should check confirmation letters for accurate income information, residency status, and banking details. Any corrections should be reported immediately.

Banking Information and Payment Method Changes

Residents needing to change banking information or switch from direct deposit to paper checks must take action by September 15, 2026. After that date, banking information changes cannot be made for the 2025 benefit year.

This deadline is critical for residents whose banking information has changed or who wish to receive payments by check rather than direct deposit.

Residents Without Confirmation Letters

Residents who did not receive confirmation letters by the submission deadline should apply directly through the state program. The November 2, 2026 deadline applies to residents needing to file applications or report missing confirmation letters.

The Property Tax Relief Hotline can assist residents with questions about confirmation letters and application status.

Special Requirements for Seniors and Disability Recipients

Homeowners age 65 or older and homeowners receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits must complete the PAS-1 Application for Property Tax Relief manually. These residents do not qualify for automatic filing and must submit applications by November 2, 2026.

The additional $250 supplement applies to applicants age 65 or older by December 31, 2025.

Residency and Property Requirements

ANCHOR eligibility is based on principal residence ownership or rental on October 1 of the prior year (October 1, 2024 for 2025 benefit year). Residents must have owned or rented and occupied their principal residence on that date to qualify.

Vacation properties and investment properties do not qualify. The residence must be the applicant's primary residence.

Income Limits and Documentation

New Jersey gross income determines benefit amounts and eligibility. Income limits apply to both homeowners and renters. Documentation of income may be required for verification.

Residents should verify income calculations and report accurate gross income on applications.

Program Information and Additional Resources

For additional details about the ANCHOR program, eligibility requirements, and application assistance, residents can visit the state's ANCHOR program website or call the Property Tax Relief Hotline at 1-888-238-1233. Program staff can answer questions about eligibility, deadlines, and application procedures.

Residents in Scotch Plains and across Union County should contact the state program for specific questions about their ANCHOR status and benefit eligibility.

Councilman White's Reminder

Councilman Roc White's reminder emphasizes the importance of meeting application deadlines and verifying confirmation letter information. Residents should act promptly to ensure payment delivery and avoid missing critical deadlines.

Find more Scotch Plains municipal government, property tax relief information, and civic services on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Scotch Plain NJ

FAQ

Q: What is the ANCHOR program?
A: ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) provides property tax relief to eligible New Jersey homeowners and renters based on income and residency requirements.

Q: Who is eligible for ANCHOR?
A: Homeowners and renters who owned or rented and occupied their principal residence on October 1, 2024 may be eligible. Income limits apply: up to $250,000 for homeowners, up to $150,000 for renters.

Q: When is the ANCHOR application deadline?
A: September 15, 2026 is the primary deadline for automatic filers needing to change banking information or request paper checks. November 2, 2026 is the deadline for those who did not receive confirmation letters or need to apply manually.

Q: How much can I receive from ANCHOR?
A: Homeowners with income up to $150,000 may receive $1,500. Homeowners with income between $150,001-$250,000 may receive $1,000. Renters with income up to $150,000 may receive $450. Applicants 65+ by December 31, 2025 may receive an additional $250.

Q: Do I need to apply for ANCHOR?
A: Most homeowners under 65 (not receiving disability benefits) and most renters will have applications filed automatically by September 15, 2026. If you receive a confirmation letter with correct information, you generally don't need to take action.

Q: What if I don't receive a confirmation letter?
A: If you don't receive a confirmation letter by mid-September, you should apply manually by November 2, 2026. Contact the Property Tax Relief Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 for assistance.

Q: Who must file the PAS-1 application manually?
A: Homeowners age 65 or older and homeowners receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits must file the PAS-1 Application manually by November 2, 2026.

Q: When will I receive my ANCHOR payment?
A: ANCHOR payments begin September 15, 2026 and are issued on a rolling basis. Most applicants receive payment within 90 days. Prior beneficiaries receiving direct deposit will use the same banking information unless they request a change by September 15.

Q: Can I change my payment method from direct deposit to check?
A: Yes, but only by September 15, 2026. Contact the state program to request this change. After September 15, payment method cannot be changed for the 2025 benefit year.

Q: What counts as income for ANCHOR eligibility?
A: New Jersey gross income is used to determine eligibility and benefit amounts. Income limits apply for both homeowners and renters.

Q: How do I contact the ANCHOR program with questions?
A: Call the Property Tax Relief Hotline at 1-888-238-1233. You can also visit the state's ANCHOR program website for information and resources.