06 Nov We just turned 65. Can we apply for Stay NJ?

Q. My husband and I turned 65 this year. I believe we now qualify for Stay NJ benefits. When can we apply?
— Homeowner

A. Happy birthday to you both.

It’s important to understand how age lines up with the so-called benefit year for the property tax programs.

You would have had to turn 65 in 2024 to be eligible for the 2024 benefits, which is the current benefit year — even though the Stay NJ part of the program won’t be paid out until early 2026.

So this means that assuming you meet the income requirements, you could be eligible for the 2025 benefit year.

The benefits are funded each year in the state budget, and the next one is due July 1, 2026.

The applications for the benefits were made available in March for the current year, so we expect it to be the same next year.

As always, we will keep an eye out for them.

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This story was originally published in October 2025.

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.