02 Dec My dad died. Can I cash his ANCHOR check?

Q. My dad died and I received his ANCHOR rebate check. But his estate account is closed. Can I still cash the check?
— Beneficiary

A. We’re sorry to hear about your dad.

There are several steps you will have to take.

First, collect your dad’s death certificate and if you’re the executor, your paperwork from the Surrogate. If you were never appointed executor or administrator, you’ll need to visit your local office and get that done.

Next, take all the paperwork to your bank. You’ll need to reopen the estate account, and then you can make the deposit.

You didn’t say when your dad died. Keep an eye out for future ANCHOR benefits. The current benefit year is for 2021, so depending on when your dad died, his estate may still be eligible for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 benefits.

The Treasury Department won’t reissue his checks in your name, so you’ll need the estate account open to make the deposits if more checks come for subsequent benefit years.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in December 2024.

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.