When Does Your ANCHOR Rebate Come? How to Check Status

The ANCHOR program, which stands for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters, is a property tax relief initiative designed to provide financial assistance to eligible residents. This program aims to alleviate the burden of property taxes for individuals who own or rent their primary homes. It represents a significant effort to help make housing more affordable for many households. The benefits are provided directly to qualifying homeowners and renters, contributing to their financial well-being.

Eligibility Criteria for the ANCHOR Program

To qualify for the ANCHOR rebate, individuals must meet specific residency and income requirements for the qualifying tax year. For the 2024 tax year, applicants needed to be New Jersey residents who owned or rented their primary residence on October 1, 2024.

Homeowners were eligible if their 2024 New Jersey gross income did not exceed $250,000, and their home was subject to property taxes. Renters, conversely, qualified if their 2024 New Jersey gross income was not more than $150,000. For renters, it was also necessary that their name was on the lease or rental agreement, they paid rent, and the rental property was subject to local property taxes. Additionally, residents aged 65 or older may receive a bonus payment, acknowledging the unique financial considerations for seniors.

Applying for Your ANCHOR Rebate

Many eligible homeowners and renters, particularly those under 65 and not collecting Social Security disability benefits, may have their applications automatically filed by the Division of Taxation. Confirmation letters were sent to these individuals starting in mid-August 2025, detailing their eligibility and the automatic filing. If any personal details, such as banking information or mailing address, have changed, or if a paper check is preferred, applicants must submit a new application to update their records.

For those not automatically filed, including first-time applicants and seniors aged 65 or older or those receiving Social Security disability benefits, an application must be submitted. Seniors and individuals on Social Security disability must use the combined Property Tax Relief Application (Form PAS-1), which also covers other state relief programs. Required documentation includes 2024 property tax details, such as the County/Municipality Code, Block/Lot/Qualifier, and tax amounts, alongside the gross income reported on their 2024 New Jersey income tax return. For online applications, identity verification through ID.me is required, replacing the previous ID/PIN system for many users. The final deadline for submitting a new application for the 2024 tax year is October 31, 2025.

Understanding the ANCHOR Rebate Payment Timeline

Once an ANCHOR application is submitted and processed, payments are distributed on a rolling basis. For the 2024 tax year, payments were expected to begin as early as September 15, 2025. Most recipients can anticipate receiving their benefits within 90 days of their application being filed, assuming no additional information is required for verification.

The method of payment, chosen during the application process, also influences how quickly funds are received. Applicants can opt for either a direct deposit into a specified bank account or a physical check mailed to their primary residence. Direct deposits typically result in faster access to funds compared to mailed checks. The state processes a substantial volume of rebates, and the exact timing of individual payments depends on factors such as the date of application submission and the overall processing volume.

Tracking Your ANCHOR Rebate Status

After submitting an ANCHOR application, applicants can monitor its progress through an online status checker. This tool is accessible via the Division of Taxation’s website. To access the status checker, users generally need to provide their taxpayer identification number, such as a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, along with their ZIP code.

The online system indicates whether the application has been received, is currently processing, or if a payment has been issued, including the date of issuance. For further assistance or specific inquiries, hotlines are available, including 1-888-238-1233 or 609-826-4282, which may offer a callback option to reduce wait times.