Refund Checks for the NJ Senior Freeze Program Have Started Arriving

New Jersey residents who qualify for the Senior Freeze property tax reimbursement program are beginning to receive payments. When checks arrive depends on when the application was filed. The Senior Freeze program reimburses eligible seniors and residents with disabilities for increases in property taxes on their principal residence.

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Understanding Senior Freeze

Senior Freeze does not literally freeze the property tax bill. Instead, the state reimburses the difference between the applicant's established base year taxes and the current year's taxes. This helps seniors and disabled residents on fixed incomes manage property tax increases.

Who Is Eligible

For the 2025 Senior Freeze, an applicant or their spouse or civil union partner must meet all of the following requirements:

Have been 65 or older on December 31, 2025, or have been receiving federal Social Security disability or Railroad Retirement disability benefits by that date.

Have owned and lived in the same New Jersey home since December 31, 2022, or earlier, and continued living there through December 31, 2025.

Have had total annual income of no more than $168,268 in 2024 and $172,475 in 2025. Married or civil union couples living together generally must report their combined income.

Have paid property taxes on the home. Mobile homeowners may qualify based on eligible site fees.

The property must be the applicant's principal residence, not a vacation home, second home, or rental property.

How to Apply

Seniors and Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability recipients must complete the combined PAS-1 application. This single form determines eligibility for Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ programs. Residents may apply online or submit a paper PAS-1 application.

The deadline for the 2025 application is November 2, 2026. Even previous recipients must file a new application.

Payment Schedule

The timing of check arrival depends on when the application was filed:

Applications filed before May 1, 2026: Payments begin July 15, 2026

Applications filed May 1–June 1, 2026: Payments begin September 1, 2026

Applications filed June 2–September 1, 2026: Payments begin November 2, 2026

Applications filed September 2–October 31, 2026: Payments begin December 1, 2026

These are the dates payments begin, not guaranteed arrival dates. For example, applicants who filed before May 1 may receive their payments between July 15 and September 15. Processing may take longer if additional information is required.

Contact and Support

Residents can check their application and payment status online. For Senior Freeze assistance, call the Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Information Line at 1-800-882-6597.

Residents whose application or payment is taking longer than the expected window may also call the Property Tax Relief Hotline at 1-888-238-1233, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Callers should have their full name and the complete address of the property available.

Important Distinction

Stay NJ has a separate payment schedule. Although all three programs share the PAS-1 application, Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ payments are issued at different times.

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FAQ

Q: What is Senior Freeze?
A: Senior Freeze is a New Jersey program that reimburses eligible seniors and residents with disabilities for increases in property taxes on their principal residence. The state reimburses the difference between the applicant's established base year taxes and the current year's taxes.

Q: Who is eligible for Senior Freeze?
A: Applicants must be 65 or older on December 31, 2025, or receiving federal Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits. They must have owned and lived in the same New Jersey home since December 31, 2022, or earlier, and continued living there. Annual income limits apply ($168,268 individuals in 2024, $172,475 in 2025).

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: The 2025 Senior Freeze application deadline is November 2, 2026.

Q: How do I apply for Senior Freeze?
A: Complete the combined PAS-1 application online or submit a paper application. The PAS-1 form also covers ANCHOR and Stay NJ programs.

Q: When will I receive my Senior Freeze check?
A: Payment timing depends on filing date. Applications filed before May 1 receive payments starting July 15. May 1–June 1 applications start September 1. June 2–September 1 applications start November 2. September 2–October 31 applications start December 1.

Q: Do previous recipients need to reapply?
A: Yes. Even previous Senior Freeze recipients must file a new PAS-1 application each year.

Q: What is the property income limit?
A: Individuals can earn up to $168,268 in 2024 and $172,475 in 2025. Married or civil union couples must report combined income within these limits.

Q: Can I apply if I own a vacation home or rental property?
A: No. Senior Freeze only applies to principal residences. Vacation homes, second homes, and rental properties do not qualify.

Q: Who do I call if my check has not arrived?
A: Call the Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Information Line at 1-800-882-6597. For delays, call the Property Tax Relief Hotline at 1-888-238-1233, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.