The filing deadline for the 2019 ANCHOR program was February 28, 2023
Note: The ANCHOR program is separate from the Senior Freeze program.
No.
If you previously participated in the Homestead Benefit program, you'll find that the application process is nearly the same, if not more streamlined than before.
Homeowners need an ANCHOR ID and PIN to apply online or by phone. If you did not receive a mailer or email with an ID and PIN, but filed a Homestead Benefit application last year, access the online ID and PIN inquiry system to retrieve your ID and PIN. Certain homeowners must file a paper application for reasons listed below.
Apply Online or Apply by phone: 1-877-658-2972
If you must file a paper application, you can print Form ANCHOR-H and mail it along with any necessary supporting documents.
Homeowners should click the following link to find out How ANCHOR Benefits Are Calculated and Paid.
No. ANCHOR benefit payments are not reportable as New Jersey income.
All payments will be issued as checks or direct deposits beginning spring of 2023 (no later than May 2023). You select the payment method when you file your application. Payments will not be issued in the order they are received.
All 2019 informational mailers have been sent out. If you erroneously received a tenant mailer, discard it. If you have not received your homeowner ANCHOR mailer and you filed last year or in 2018 for the previous Homestead Benefit and are eligible for the same property under the ANCHOR program, you may retrieve your ID and PIN here. If you did not file for the Homestead Benefit last year or cannot obtain your ID and PIN, call the ANCHOR Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 to speak to a representative.
Each owner must file a separate ANCHOR application.
Yes, you are eligible for ANCHOR as a homeowner and the others as renters/tenants. Each individual would have to file their own ANCHOR application.
This may be a browser or software issue. You should use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome and update to the latest Adobe software to download a paper application.
If after you select to download the PDF you receive a "Please wait..." message, you must go to your "Files" folder, choose your "Downloads" folder and open the PDF "ANCHOR_Homeowners_2019."
We encourage you to check ANCHOR.NJ.GOV before calling to get answers to your questions. It is important to note the ANCHOR deadline was February 28, 2023.
Some homeowners are REQUIRED to file a paper ANCHOR application (Form ANCHOR-H ).
You must file a paper application if:
Most homeowners filing paper applications will need to include supporting documentation to verify eligibility. See application instructions for proper enclosures.
If you must file a paper application, you can print Form ANCHOR-H and mail it along with any necessary supporting documents.
If you did not receive an informational mailer or email for the property location you owned and occupied on October 1, 2019, try accessing the online ID and PIN inquiry system to retrieve your ID and PIN. If you cannot access your ID and PIN to file online, call the ANCHOR Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 to speak to a representative.
You can change your mailing address when you file the application. If you have already filed your application, visit our Address Change page.
File the application for the home you owned and occupied on October 1, 2019. You can select direct deposit (if you filed electronically and provided your banking information) or provide your current mailing address if you prefer a paper check.
No. However, you must have owned and occupied a home in New Jersey as your principal residence on October 1, 2019, and meet all of the program qualifications for 2019.
We require you to file a paper application to change the preprinted filing information. Be sure to include supporting documentation (e.g., death certificate, marriage certificate, legal documentation) with your application.
We expect to issue 2019 ANCHOR payments by spring of 2023. Due to the direct deposit or paper check timing, speak to your bank and/or seek guidance about bank accounts from your attorney before closing the estate account.
If you divorced prior to October 1, 2019, you should file a paper application in your name only and report your percentage of ownership (50% unless otherwise specified on the property deed or the divorce decree).
If you divorced on or after October 1, 2019, but before January 1, 2020, and:
In either scenario, report your 2019 New Jersey Income Tax return filing status.
Your 2019 New Jersey gross income is reported on Line 29 of your 2019 NJ-1040. If your income was under the filing threshold, report your income as $0. If you do not have a copy of your tax return, you can a 2019 gross income amount .
If you and your spouse lived together in your home on October 1, 2019, you must report your combined income on your ANCHOR application. However, if your spouse maintained a separate principal residence on October 1, 2019, you should report only your income on the application.
Your 2019 New Jersey Income Tax return (NJ-1040) determines your filing status. If you were not required to file a 2019 Income Tax return, use the filing status you would have used if you were required to file.
If your filing status is married/civil union (CU) couple filing separately, select the option based on the living situation that you and your spouse/CU partner had on October 1, 2019.
If you were married and you maintained your principal residence with your spouse on October 1, 2019, and you each want to receive a separate check for half of the benefit amount for which you are eligible, you should check the box in Section D in the online filing application that states, "I want my half of the benefit payment in my name only."
Each spouse must file a separate ANCHOR application.
Homeowners only qualify to apply if their name appears on the deed, regardless of filing status/marital status. Therefore, your name should only appear on the preprinted mailer. Select your 2019 Income Tax filing status and enter your 2019 gross income (combined income if married/cu couple before January 1, 2020). If other names are preprinted you must file a paper application in your name only and include a copy of the deed showing who owned the home on October 1, 2019.
Complete one application and:
Each person must complete a separate application:
You were not married on December 31, 2019. Therefore, each of you must file a paper application, claim multiple ownership, and indicate your ownership percentage.
On the paper application, enter:
To be eligible, you must be a beneficiary of the trust, occupy the home as your main home on October 1, 2019, meet the income requirements, and the 2019 property taxes must have been paid by June 1, 2020. File a paper application and submit a copy of the trust agreement for proof of eligibility.
You must file a paper application in your name only. On the paper application, you need to indicate you owned the property with someone other than a spouse and fill in your proportionate share of ownership. If your name is not preprinted, include a copy of the property deed that shows you are an owner.
You are considered one owner since you were married on or before December 31, 2019. You can file online if a name change isn't needed. File online using the preprinted names, enter your 2019 combined gross income, and answer no when asked if you owned the home with someone other than a spouse.
If a name change is required, you need to file a paper application and include legal documentation that shows your correct name (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.)
You must file a paper application if you meet the other eligibility requirements.