05 Dec We moved to N.J. When can we apply for ANCHOR?

Q. We moved to New Jersey this past June. Are we eligible for the ANCHOR benefits, and when should we file for them?
— Newbie Jersey Girl

A. Welcome to the Garden State.

The current ANCHOR benefit year is for 2024. But unfortunately, you’re not eligible yet.

To be eligible, you must have been a resident as of Oct. 1, 2024, along with meeting income cutoffs.

If your income stays the same, you should apply in 2026 to receive the 2025 benefit.

If nothing changes — and the Legislature could always make changes — applications aren’t expected to be available until after July 1, 2026, after the state budget is due. That’s because the tax relief benefits are funded in each year’s budget and they’re never a guarantee.

If you’re 65 or older, or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits, you would complete Form PAS-1, which is a combined application for Senior Freeze, ANCHOR and Stay NJ. Both renters and homeowners would complete the application even though renters are only eligible for ANCHOR.

If you’re under age 65, you’d complete the ANC-1 form.

You can learn more about how the benefits work here.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in December 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.