23 Jan I got too much from ANCHOR. What to do?

Q. I’m a renter and filed for the ANCHOR payment back in October 2025. I filed as a renter and expected to receive $450. This morning I saw a direct deposit for $1,000 hit my account from the state. I tried calling and I keep receiving the message that all lines are busy and to call back again. Do you know how this issue can be corrected? Since it’s not a check, I cannot send it back. Will they make a correction and remove the funds automatically?
— Trying to be honest

A. You’re not the first person to receive an amount they’re not sure is correct.

The $1,000 amount is what homeowners who earn between $150,001 and $250,000 would receive. Is it possible that you were a homeowner in 2024, which is the year for which the payment is supposed to cover?

If you were not a homeowner then, you can keep trying the ANCHOR hotline, which is (888) 238-1233 or (609) 826-4282.

We know it’s hard to get through.

If you can’t get through, you can get help in person at a regional help center.

You can see all the locations here.

Appointments are not required, but you can make one on the state website.

The state does ask anyone who receives a payment in error to return it to New Jersey Division of Taxation, PO BOX 266, Trenton, NJ 08695-0266.

Given that it was a direct deposit, you can write your own check and include a note explaining why you think you were overpaid.

Would the state notice a mistake? It’s possible, but given the number of payments made, it’s not exactly clear whether the state would go back and check its work without a specific issue it’s trying to look for.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in January 2026. 

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.