26 Oct I’m a senior. Why did I get a smaller ANCHOR benefit?

Q. I’m a senior and I received my ANCHOR benefit. But I got $1,500 and not $1,750. Why didn’t I get the higher amount?
— Senior

A. We’re glad to hear you got your ANCHOR payment.

The state sent out nearly a million of the payments as of the end of last week.

You’re correct that eligible residents who are 65 and older get an additional $250.

But timing matters.

To qualify for higher payments, which are for the 2020 tax year, seniors must have turned 65 before Jan 1, 2021, the Treasury Department said.

If you did qualify but didn’t get the larger benefit, call the ANCHOR hotline at (888) 238-1233.

Just keep in mind that while the hotline’s performance has improved recently, it’s still getting lots of call volume. You’ll have to be patient to get through. Eventually, you will.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published on Oct. 25, 2023.

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