2026 Stay NJ Property Tax Relief Program Guide to Benefits & Deadlines

Are you a New Jersey homeowner aged 65 or older looking to slash your property tax bill by up to 50%? For the 2026 fiscal year, the Stay NJ program offers a massive lifeline, providing a maximum benefit of $6,500. With the introduction of the streamlined Form PAS-1, you can now apply for Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze through a single application. Whether you’re tracking your May 15th installment or preparing for the November 2, 2026 deadline, understanding these updated eligibility and income requirements is key to securing your financial peace of mind in the Garden State.

What is the Stay NJ Program?

Stay NJ is a property tax reimbursement program for New Jersey residents aged 65 and older. The program aims to reimburse applicants for 50% of their property tax bills.

Key Benefit Limits

• Maximum Benefit: The program is designed to provide up to a maximum of $13,000 in total relief.
• 2025 Benefit Cap: For the 2025 benefit year (payable in 2026), the maximum benefit is capped at $6,500.

Eligibility Requirements for 2026

To qualify for the Stay NJ benefit, applicants must meet strict criteria regarding age, residency, and income based on the 2025 tax year.

Age and Residency

• Age Limit:
  You must be 65 or older during the application year.
• Disability Status:
  Please note that Social Security disability status does not automatically qualify you for Stay NJ; the age requirement remains firm.
• Principal Residence:
  You must have owned and lived in your New Jersey home for the full 12 months of 2025.
• Multiple Homes:
  If you owned and lived in more than two main homes during the year, you must enclose a statement with your application detailing the additional properties.

Income and Property Type

• Income Ceiling:
  Your total gross income must be below $500,000.
• Mobile Homeowners:
  Unfortunately, mobile homeowners are not eligible for the Stay NJ program.
• P.I.L.O.T. Payments:
  Homeowners who make Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax (P.I.L.O.T.) to their municipality are eligible for the benefit.

Application for Property Tax Relief, Form PAS-1

How to Apply and Claim Your Stay NJ Benefits

To claim your relief, complete the combined Form PAS-1 online or via mail by November 2, 2026. Ensure you verify your identity through ID.me and provide your 2025 income and property details to receive quarterly check installments.
with Step by Steps.

Step 1: Understand the Stay NJ Benefit Calculation

Before applying, it is important to understand how your potential relief is calculated. The Stay NJ program is designed to bring your total property tax relief which includes any benefits received from ANCHOR and Senior Freeze up to 50% of your total property tax bill.

• Maximum Benefit Cap:
  For the 2025 benefit year (distributed in 2026), the maximum relief is capped at $6,500.
• Total Program Potential:
  Future benefit cycles are designed to scale up to a maximum of $13,000.
• Benefit Sequence:
  Stay NJ benefits are only calculated after your eligibility for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze has been finalized.

Step 2: Verify Your 2026 Eligibility

To qualify for the 2026 benefits (based on the 2025 tax year), you must meet several strict criteria.

Core Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Detail
Age	You must be 65 or older by December 31, 2025.
Income Limit	Your annual gross income must be below $500,000.
Residency	You must have owned and lived in your NJ home as a principal residence for the full 12 months of 2025.
Property Type	Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums, and units in continuing care retirement facilities.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation

New Jersey has introduced the Form PAS-1, a combined application that covers Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze simultaneously. To complete it, you will need the following information:

• Identity Verification:
  Online applications require verification through ID.me. Have your driver’s license, state ID, or passport ready.
• Property Details:
  You will need the Block and Lot numbers of your home, which can be found on your property tax bill or through your local tax assessor.
• Income Records:
  Have your 2025 NJ-1040 tax return ready to report your gross income.
• P.I.L.O.T. Info:
  If you make “Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax,” you are eligible and will need to report these amounts specifically.

Step 4: Navigate the PAS-1 Application Process

The application can be submitted online or via paper form. The deadline for the 2025 application year is November 2, 2026.

Key Sections of Form PAS-1

1. Residency History:
   You must list the dates for each main home you occupied in 2025. If you owned the home with someone other than a spouse, you must report your specific percentage of ownership.
2. Multi-Unit Properties:
   If you live in a multi unit property you own, you must calculate the percentage of the building used as your main residence.
3. Income Worksheet:
   If you are not required to file a tax return, you must complete the Income Calculation Worksheet. This includes taxable interest, dividends, business profits, and taxable pensions.

Step 5: Track Your Payment Schedule

Stay NJ benefits are issued in four equal quarterly installments via paper checks mailed to your residence.

• 1st Installment: Distributed in February 2026.
• 2nd Installment: Scheduled for May 15, 2026.
• 3rd Installment: Expected in August 2026 (pending state budget approval).
• 4th Installment: Expected in November 2026 (pending state budget approval).

Summary Checklist for Success

• Confirm you were 65+ by the end of 2025.
• Verify your 2025 income was under $500,000.
• Gather your property tax bill and 2025 tax return.
• Complete the PAS-1 combined application.
• Submit the application before the November 2, 2026 deadline.
• Monitor your mail for quarterly paper check installments.

For further assistance, residents can contact the Property Tax Relief Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 or visit the official NJ Division of Taxation website.

Conclusion

The Stay NJ program represents a landmark shift in New Jersey’s effort to keep senior citizens in their homes by offering up to 50% property tax reimbursement. By utilizing the streamlined PAS-1 application, eligible homeowners with incomes under $500,000 can access a maximum 2025 benefit of $6,500. To ensure you receive your quarterly paper checks, you must verify your identity and submit all documentation before the November 2, 2026 deadline. Stay proactive to maximize your savings in 2026.

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