18 Sep My mom died. Can she still get the ANCHOR benefit?

Q. My mother passed away on July 15. I am the executrix of my mother’s estate. I would like to know if I am still able to claim the New Jersey ANCHOR benefit on her behalf. If so, how do I go about doing so?
— Child

A. We’re very sorry to hear about your mother.

If she was a homeowner or renter as of Oct. 1, 2021, and her income didn’t exceed the limits, you can file on her behalf.

The state’s Treasury Department said you’d have to file a Special Circumstances Application for the benefit.

Also make sure to have a bank account open for the estate to make sure it can receive a direct deposit or check that you’d deposit.

Others may also have to file a Special Circumstances Application. The Treasury Department’s website said the following people would need to file it if:

• You shared ownership of your principal residence (main home) with someone who was not your spouse/civil union partner and your percentage of ownership is not preprinted on your mailer;
• Your main home was a unit in a multi-unit property that you owned;
• You received an ANCHOR information mailer or Anchor Benefit Confirmation letter for the correct property, but the name on the mailer or letter is not yours or needs to be changed due to marriage, death, etc.;
• You are a widow(er)/surviving civil union partner and your deed lists both your name and the name of your deceased spouse;
• You are an executor filing on behalf of a deceased homeowner;
• You are filing for a property held in trust;
• You occupied a newly constructed home on October 1 for which you did not receive an ANCHOR mailer or Anchor Benefit Confirmation letter with an Identification Number and PIN;
• You are considered a homeowner for purposes of applying for the ANCHOR benefit, but you were not the actual owner of record on October 1;
• You are unable to find your ID and PIN.

You can download both the renter and the homeowner application here.

Don’t forget to include the death certificate with the application.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in September 2024.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.