New Jersey’s newly launched Stay NJ program is set to deliver much-anticipated property tax relief to senior residents starting in February 2026. Designed to ease the burden of property taxes for older homeowners, the initiative provides substantial financial support to help retirees remain in the Garden State.
Overview
Stay NJ is a tax relief program introduced in 2025 with the goal of reducing the financial strain on senior homeowners. The program reimburses 50% of property taxes, with an annual benefit cap of $6,500 for 2024. Once fully implemented, the maximum relief may rise to $13,000.
Unlike one-time payments, Stay NJ benefits are issued quarterly-ensuring ongoing support throughout the year.
Eligibility
To qualify for Stay NJ, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 65 years of age or older by the end of 2024
- Have owned and lived in their primary New Jersey residence for all of 2024
- Have a gross income below $500,000
- Submit the PAS-1 form by October 31, 2025
The PAS-1 form serves as a unified application for the Stay NJ, Senior Freeze, and ANCHOR property tax relief programs. If eligible, seniors should have already received a letter from the New Jersey Division of Taxation indicating the benefit amount and approval status.
Payments
The Stay NJ program does not offer a one-time lump sum refund. Instead, approved applicants will receive four equal payments per year, spread out across the quarters.
The first quarterly payment for the 2024 benefit year will be mailed starting on:
- February 9, 2026
All payments will be sent as paper checks by mail, not via direct deposit. That means eligible residents should allow time for postal delivery.
Future payments for the remaining quarters will follow a similar schedule, though official dates for the second, third, and fourth installments have not yet been announced.
Timeline
Here’s a summary of the Stay NJ payment timeline and structure:
| Quarter | Benefit Year | Payment Date | Delivery Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 2024 | February 9, 2026 | Paper check by mail |
| Q2 | 2024 | TBD (Spring 2026) | Paper check by mail |
| Q3 | 2024 | TBD (Summer 2026) | Paper check by mail |
| Q4 | 2024 | TBD (Fall 2026) | Paper check by mail |
Coordination with Other Benefits
Stay NJ is calculated after other state property tax relief programs, such as:
- ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters)
- Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement)
Only once these amounts are finalized does the state determine your Stay NJ benefit. This ensures there’s no overlap or overpayment between programs.
The amount you receive from Stay NJ will depend on your final net property tax liability after ANCHOR and Senior Freeze have been applied.
Budget Considerations
As with any state-funded program, the Stay NJ benefit is subject to the New Jersey state budget. If funding is reduced or redirected, benefit amounts and eligibility could be impacted in future years.
For now, the 2024 benefit year is fully funded, and eligible seniors can expect the first checks to begin arriving in mid-February 2026.
FAQs
When will Stay NJ payments begin?
The first checks will be mailed on February 9, 2026.
How often are Stay NJ benefits paid?
Stay NJ benefits are issued quarterly, not as a lump sum.
What is the 2024 benefit cap for Stay NJ?
The cap is $6,500 for the 2024 benefit year.
Who is eligible for Stay NJ?
Seniors 65+, homeowners all year in 2024, income under $500,000.
