23 Aug I just turned 65. Can I get Stay NJ?

Q. I’m married and just turned 65 in July 2026. My wife was already 65 prior to 2026. Is there any program I should file for now or do I need to wait until 2027 to file for these programs? We currently do not collect Social Security, but I am considering filing for it prior to January 2027.
— Homeowner

A. Happy birthday.

Your Social Security status does not matter for these benefits.

The state website is clear:

“The Stay NJ program offers property tax benefits to eligible homeowners aged 65 and older. To qualify, you (or your spouse) must have:

• Been age 65 or older during 2025;
• Owned and lived in a home for the full 12 months of 2025;
• Resided in a home subject to property taxes or P.I.L.O.T. (Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax);
• Income that does not exceed $200,000.”

That’s for the 2025 benefit year, which is the application that’s available now.

You would complete the PAS-1 application, which covers Stay NJ, ANCHOR and the Senior Freeze benefit. Eligibility for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze is different from Stay NJ, but by completing the application you will be considered for all three.

You can find the application at propertytaxreliefapp.nj.gov.

The deadline is Nov. 2, 2026.

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This story was originally published in August 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.