12 Dec When will I get my Stay NJ property tax benefit?

Q. I have been reading different opinions on when the Stay NJ will be sent. I am trying to pay bills but I’m nervous on how much to send. My taxes went up $400 for the first two quarters and I am really strapped. Can you please let me know when we can expect payment?
— Homeowner

A. Stay NJ is the third of the state’s property tax benefits, and it’s the last to be paid out.

The state website doesn’t give a date for when the benefits will be sent, but it seems officials often want to beat their own deadlines, meaning they sometimes start sending them out a little earlier than expected. At the same time, some benefits have been delayed if there is a question about a person’s application.

The state says: “Stay NJ payments will be made quarterly beginning in 2026, with payments scheduled for February, May, August, and November. February and May payments are subject to the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, and August and November payments are subject to the Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget.”

We have heard early February, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have enough to pay your tax bill — just in case somehow, your payment is delayed.

Also for your budgeting purposes, note that the state said the August and November payments will be subject to the next budget. Indeed, the all the property tax benefits have to be funded each year by the July 1 budget deadline. If the state gets into financial trouble, it’s a real possibility that future benefits could be lowered or cancelled entirely.

Now of course, no politician wants to take away property tax benefits — it’s a bad look — but you should be aware it is possible.

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This story was originally published in December 2025.

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