What is the filing deadline?
If you received the ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter notifying you that you qualify and you do nothing else, we will file the application for you and pay the benefit based on information in that letter. However, if you need to change any information, you have until September 30, 2023, to file an application on your own.
All other applicants have until Friday, December 29, 2023, to file applications.
When will I receive my ANCHOR benefit?
Payments will be issued on a rolling basis. Most applicants can expect to receive their payment approximately 90 days after filing the application, unless we request additional information to process your claim.
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I received an ANCHOR benefit (for tax year 2019). Do I have to apply for the current benefit?
If you receive an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter and all of the information contained in the letter is correct, you do not have to file an application for the current benefit. We will file an application on your behalf based on your previously filed application.
I received an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter, but my information has changed. What do I do?
If any information from your prior filing changed, you must file your application on your own to update these changes before September 30, 2023. We will not make adjustments to your name or banking information after September 30, 2023. Payments will be issued using the information we have on file.
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I did not receive an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter notifying me that I qualify. Can I still apply?
Yes. You should receive a purple filing packet in the mail by September 1, 2023, with filing instructions
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I did not receive an ANCHOR Benefit (for tax year 2019), an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter, or filing packet. Can I still apply for the benefit?
If you meet the qualifications for the current benefit, you may still apply for the program. Renters may file using the online option, and do not need an ID and PIN.
How much is the benefit for renters?
| Age in 2020 |
64 or younger |
65 or older |
| Benefit Amount |
$450 |
$700 |
I am a renter, but received a homeowner mailer. What should I do?
If you rented a property on October 1, 2020, discard the homeowner mailer and file a Renter application.
I can't download the paper application. What should I do?
This may be a browser or software issue. You should use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome and upgrade to the latest Adobe software to download a paper application.
If after you select to download the PDF you receive a, "Please wait..." message, go to your "Files" folder, choose your "Downloads" folder and open the PDF "ANCHOR_Homeowners_2020."
Where do I find the amount of my 2020 New Jersey gross income to report on my application?
Your 2020 New Jersey gross income can be found on line 29 of your 2020 New Jersey Income Tax return (NJ-1040). If you do not have access to your 2020 NJ-1040, you may use the amount from your 2022 NJ-1040. Report your income as $0 if you did not file an NJ-1040 for 2020 or 2022, you did not earn any income, or enough income to be required to file a NJ-1040 for those years.
Do I have to report my ANCHOR benefit on my New Jersey Income Tax return?
No. ANCHOR benefit payments are not reportable as New Jersey income.
I rented an apartment with another person/multiple people on October 1, 2020. How do I file?
Each renter applies separately. Enter your name only, the number of people you shared the rent with, and the names of all renters on the appropriate line. Married/Civil Union (CU) couples who file jointly are not considered multiple renters.
As a renter, am I still eligible if my housing complex does not pay traditional property taxes and has a P.I.L.O.T. (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement?
Yes. You are eligible if your rental unit operates under a P.I.L.O.T. (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement with your municipality.
I live in government-assisted housing. Do I qualify for this benefit?
Yes, as long as your residence was a “qualified rental property” subject to property taxes.
I was a resident at a senior housing facility on October 1, 2020. Am I eligible for the program?
Yes, as long as the building was a “qualified rental property” subject to property taxes.
I paid to live in someone's home with them (e.g., parents, friends). Am I eligible?
You are eligible for the ANCHOR benefit if you shared a residential property, paid rent, had a lease, and had access to the kitchen and bathroom. However, if you lived in a rented room with no kitchen privileges, you are not eligible.
I owned a home in New Jersey on October 1, 2020, but I sold it and now rent a home. Which application should I file?
You should file the application for homeowners.
I was not able to pay all of my rent in 2020. Am I still eligible for a benefit?
Yes. You would still be eligible for a benefit if you occupied the unit on October 1, 2020, and paid a portion of your rent.
How do I know if the property I rented on October 1, 2020, was subject to local property taxes?
Check with your landlord or building owner.
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Is there an age restriction for ANCHOR?
No.
I am 65 years old. How much will I receive?
This year’s benefit provides an additional $250 for New Jersey residents who were 65 or older as of December 31, 2020. If you met the other requirements and reported 2020 New Jersey gross income of $150,000 or less, your benefit would be $700.
On October 1, 2020, the lease was in my name only but my fiance/ partner lived with me. How do I file?
Only renters with names listed on the lease qualify for the benefit. Complete an application in your name only.
On October 1, 2020, the lease was in my name and my partner's name, and we lived together. We were a married/CU couple prior to January 1, 2021, and we want to receive one benefit payment. How do we file?
Complete one application, and:
- Enter your name (last name, first name, middle initial) and the first name and middle initial of your spouse/CU partner (last name only if different from yours);
- Select your 2020 Income Tax filing status;
- Enter your combined 2020 gross income.
We each want to receive separate payments for our half of the benefit. How do we file?
Each person must complete a separate application:
- Enter only your name (last name, first name, middle initial);
- Select your 2020 Income Tax filing status;
- Check the box next to, "I would like my half of the benefit in a check with only my name" in Section D;
- Enter your combined 2020 gross income (benefit eligibility and calculation are based on joint income).
On October 1, 2020, the lease was in my name and my fiance's name and we lived together. We were a married/CU couple after December 31, 2020. How do we file?
- You must individually apply since you were not married on December 31, 2020;
- Enter only your name (last name, first name, middle initial);
- Select your 2020 Income Tax filing status;
- Enter your 2020 gross income.
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