26 Mar I’m disabled. The state says I’m not eligible for Stay NJ. Is that right?

Q. I’m disabled. Why does the state say I’m not eligible for Stay NJ?
— Perplexed

A. Several readers have asked the same question.

Many people who receive federal Social Security disability benefit payments or Railroad Retirement disability benefit payments are eligible for the Senior Freeze and ANCHOR property tax benefits.

So they assumed they would be eligible for Stay NJ.

But that’s not what the final law said.

It defines an eligible person as “a State resident who is 65 or more years of age on or before December 31, 2024 or on or before December 31 of any subsequent benefit year…”

It does not add disabled people to the eligibility description.

The Treasury website is explicit. It specifically says: “You must be 65 or older in the application year (Social Security disability does not qualify you for this program).”

If you disagree, you should contact your lawmakers and ask for a change.

But we’re honestly doubtful it will happen in today’s climate, as the Legislature discusses possible cuts to the program in wake of the state’s budget woes. Those changes would come as part of the state budget, which is due July 1.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in March 2026. 

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