20 Sep Why did I only get $1,500 for ANCHOR?

Q. My ANCHOR benefit is wrong. I always received $1,750 but this time I only got $1,500. How can I correct this?
— Taxpayer

A. We’re sorry to report that the benefit amount is correct.

In past years, there was an added $250 bonus payment for senior homeowners. But back in the summer, when the Legislature negotiated the new state budget, the bonus was cut.

It did keep the $250 bonus for senior renters, though.

Before you ask if the bonus payment will come back, we are willing to guess the answer is no. The state’s finances — especially when you include the new Stay NJ benefits — can’t handle it. Lawmakers decided something had to give.

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This story was originally published in September 2026. 

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