As of May 3, 2026, the NJ Division of Taxation has officially confirmed that the second Stay NJ check is days away. At the same time, a proposed state budget change that could reduce future checks by up to $2,500 is now in front of lawmakers for a final decision by July 1. Here is everything you need to know before your check arrives.
What’s New: May 2026 Update
- The NJ Division of Taxation expects to mail the second installment of the 2024 Stay NJ benefit on May 15, 2026
- Eligible recipients will receive paper checks in the mail (online filers may have a direct deposit option for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze; see payment method section)
- Status checks require your SSN or ITIN plus your ZIP code at the NJ Division of Taxation online tool
What Is Stay NJ?
Quick Answer: Stay NJ is New Jersey’s newest property tax relief program for homeowners aged 65 and older. The May 2026 payment is the second of four equal quarterly installments for the 2024 tax year, expected to be mailed on May 15, 2026.
New Jersey launched Stay NJ in 2026 to help senior homeowners manage the financial burden of rising property taxes. The program reimburses applicants for 50 percent of their property tax bills, up to a maximum of $13,000 in taxes paid, with a benefit cap of $6,500 for the 2024 tax year. That total is divided into four equal quarterly payments mailed throughout 2026.
Rather than receiving one lump-sum payment, eligible homeowners receive equal installments once per quarter. An estimated 430,000 qualifying seniors applied through the PAS-1 combined application and are now receiving these checks. The average first installment, which mailed February 9, 2026, totaled $637.
Stay NJ is designed to work alongside two other NJ property tax relief programs, ANCHOR and Senior Freeze, providing a top-up benefit after those programs are calculated.
2026 Payment Schedule
Quick Answer: Stay NJ payments are scheduled for February, May, August, and November 2026. The May installment is expected to be mailed May 15, 2026. August and November payments depend on FY2027 budget approval.
Stay NJ payments will be made quarterly, with 2024 payments scheduled for February, May, August, and November of this year. February and May payments were subject to the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, and August and November payments are subject to the Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget.
| Installment | Expected Mail Date | Budget Authority | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Installment | February 9, 2026 | FY2026 Budget (Approved) | Sent |
| 2nd Installment | May 15, 2026 | FY2026 Budget (Approved) | Upcoming |
| 3rd Installment | August 2026 | FY2027 Budget (Pending) | Subject to Appropriation |
| 4th Installment | November 2026 | FY2027 Budget (Pending) | Subject to Appropriation |
Your May 15 check is protected under the already-approved FY2026 State Budget. However, your August and November installments face a proposed budget change described in the Budget Alert section below.
Important 2026 Budget Alert: Proposed Stay NJ Cuts
Quick Answer: Governor Sherrill’s FY2027 budget proposal would reduce the Stay NJ maximum benefit from $6,500 to $4,000 and lower the income eligibility cap from $500,000 to $250,000. This has not passed into law. Your May 15, 2026 check is not affected.
This is the most significant development for Stay NJ recipients in 2026.
What Is Being Proposed?
To protect property tax relief for middle class families, eligibility for Stay NJ would be modified to cap the qualifying income threshold at $250,000, matching ANCHOR. Additionally, the maximum benefit amount for Stay NJ would be capped at $4,000.
Her administration says such a cut would lower the cost of Stay NJ from $1.2 billion to $700 million this next fiscal year.
Who Gets Cut Completely?
Senior homeowners who earn more than $250,000 annually would not receive any property tax relief from the state. According to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, roughly 10 percent of the estimated 438,000 homeowners eligible for the Stay NJ program would lose the entire benefit under the proposed budget.
What Could You Lose If the Budget Passes?
Anyone who pays more than $8,000 in property taxes would see less relief under the proposed budget. For example, a Stay NJ-eligible recipient who pays $10,000 in property taxes would lose $1,000 in 2026 tax savings compared to 2025 relief. Even someone who pays $8,500 in property taxes would still see a $250 hit compared to previous Stay NJ relief.
| Your Annual Property Tax | Current Benefit (50%, max $6,500) | Proposed Max ($4,000 cap) | Estimated Annual Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| $6,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $0 |
| $8,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $0 |
| $9,000 | $4,500 | $4,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 | $1,000 |
| $12,000 | $6,000 | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| $13,000+ | $6,500 | $4,000 | $2,500 |
Seniors with household income above $250,000 would lose the entire benefit under the proposed changes.
Is This Final?
The governor’s budget proposal is just the start of New Jersey’s budget season. The plan now goes to lawmakers, who will spend the next roughly three months hosting budget hearings before sending their own budget plan back to Sherrill for her signature or veto. The state must have a budget in place by July 1.
Bottom Line for Your May Check: Your May 15, 2026 check is issued under the FY2026 budget, which is already approved and in effect. The proposed cuts affect only August and November installments, which require FY2027 approval. Monitor official updates at nj.gov/treasury/taxation.
Mailed vs. Delivered: What May 15 Really Means
Quick Answer: May 15 is the date the NJ Division of Taxation expects to initiate mailing. It is not the date the check arrives in your mailbox. Delivery time varies based on USPS processing in your area.
The NJ Division of Taxation says it expects to send the second installment of the 2024 Stay NJ benefit on May 15, 2026. Eligible recipients will receive paper checks in the mail.
Many NJ residents in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and other counties confuse the mailing date with the arrival date. May 15 is when the state initiates the send. Delivery depends on USPS routing and your local post office. Allow several business days after May 15 before contacting the Division.
Before May 15, confirm that your current mailing address is correctly on file with the NJ Division of Taxation. An outdated address is one of the most common reasons a check goes missing or is returned. You can update your address through the NJ Division of Taxation contact page.
How Much Will You Receive?
Quick Answer: Your Stay NJ benefit equals 50 percent of your 2024 property taxes (on up to $13,000 in taxes), minus any ANCHOR and Senior Freeze amounts you received. The maximum benefit for the 2024 tax year is $6,500, paid in four equal quarterly checks.
The program reimburses applicants for 50 percent of their property tax bills, up to a maximum of $13,000, with a benefit cap of $6,500.
Stay NJ benefits are calculated after ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits are determined. This means Stay NJ acts as a top-up. If your ANCHOR and Senior Freeze payments already cover 50 percent of your property tax bill, your Stay NJ benefit may be reduced to zero.
Your May 2026 check should equal the same amount as your February 2026 check, since all four installments are equal portions of your total annual benefit.
Real Dollar Calculation Example
Quick Answer: If your 2024 property taxes were $10,000, your Stay NJ base benefit is $5,000 before ANCHOR and Senior Freeze offsets. Divided into four quarters, each check would be approximately $1,250, reduced by your other program amounts.
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2024 Property Tax Bill | $10,000 |
| 50% of Tax Bill (Base Benefit) | $5,000 |
| ANCHOR Benefit Received | $1,750 |
| Senior Freeze Received | $0 |
| Stay NJ Annual Benefit (After Offsets) | $3,250 |
| Each Quarterly Check | $812.50 |
Note: If your ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits combined already equal $5,000 or more, your Stay NJ benefit could be reduced to $0. Always use the status tool to confirm your specific issued amount.
Average 2024 Property Taxes by Top NJ County
Property taxes remain the biggest financial pressure facing many New Jersey households. The state has the highest average property taxes in the nation, with homeowners paying roughly $9,500 a year on average, according to state data.
Your Stay NJ benefit calculation depends directly on your actual property tax bill, so county-level context matters. The figures below are based on official NJ Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) and NJ Division of Taxation reported averages for Tax Year 2024.
| County | Est. Average 2024 Residential Tax Bill | Est. Stay NJ Max Annual Benefit | Est. Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen | $13,329 | $6,500 (capped) | ~$1,625 |
| Essex | $13,615 | $6,500 (capped) | ~$1,625 |
| Morris | $11,757 | ~$5,879 | ~$1,470 |
| Union | $12,047 | ~$6,024 | ~$1,506 |
| Monmouth | $10,930 | ~$5,465 | ~$1,366 |
| Middlesex | $9,528 | ~$4,764 | ~$1,191 |
| Hudson | $10,065 | ~$5,033 | ~$1,258 |
| Camden | $7,468 | ~$3,734 | ~$934 |
Note: In 2024, the average residential property tax bill in Bergen County was $13,329, according to state data. All estimates shown are before ANCHOR and Senior Freeze offsets. Your actual quarterly check will be lower. Verify your specific benefit at the NJ Division of Taxation Benefit Status Inquiry tool.
Source: NJ Division of Taxation and NJ Division of Local Government Services (DLGS), Average Residential Tax Report, Tax Year 2024.
Who Is Eligible?
Quick Answer: Stay NJ is for New Jersey homeowners age 65 or older, who owned and occupied their home for the full prior year, with household income under $500,000 under current law, and who filed the PAS-1 combined application for Tax Year 2024.
Stay NJ covers New Jersey homeowners aged 65 or older, who own and occupy a home (for the entire year) as their principal residence, and have an annual income under $500,000.
Full eligibility checklist:
- Age 65 or older in the application year. Social Security disability does not qualify you for this program.
- Owned and occupied a New Jersey home as your principal residence for the full 12 months of the prior year
- Household income of $500,000 or less (under current law; proposed FY2027 budget would lower this to $250,000)
- PAS-1 combined application filed for Tax Year 2024 and approved
- Mobile homeowners are not eligible.
- If you made P.I.L.O.T. (Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax) payments to your municipality, you are eligible for the Stay NJ benefit.
What about Social Security or Railroad Retirement Disability recipients?
If you receive Social Security disability benefits, you may qualify for the Senior Freeze and ANCHOR. However, disability status alone does not qualify you for Stay NJ. You must be age 65 or older. If you are under 65 and on Social Security disability, you may only qualify for the ANCHOR program.
PAS-1 clarification: The Senior Freeze covers homeowners born in 1960 or earlier, or who actually receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits, and meet the eligibility requirements. PAS-1 is the combined application for Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ. If you are under 65 and receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability, you may use PAS-1 to apply for Senior Freeze and ANCHOR, but not for Stay NJ.
Common Mistakes NJ Seniors Make
Most NJ residents overlook at least one of the following when claiming Stay NJ benefits. Avoiding these errors helps you receive your payment without delays.
- Wrong ZIP or SSN on file: A simple data mismatch in the status tool shows “no record found,” causing unnecessary calls to the hotline. Double-check your information at the status tool before calling.
- Outdated mailing address: Address changes not updated with the NJ Division of Taxation are one of the top reasons checks are returned. Update your address before May 15 at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/contact.shtml.
- Expecting one combined check: ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ are paid separately on different schedules. Many seniors in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Bergen counties have missed this distinction and called the hotline unnecessarily.
- Confusing mail date with delivery date: May 15 is when the state initiates the mailing, not when the check arrives. Allow several business days before taking action.
- Assuming SSDI qualifies for Stay NJ: Social Security disability does not qualify for Stay NJ. The program is for age 65 and older only.
- Skipping the application because income seems too high: Many homeowners in Morris and Monmouth counties discover they qualify for at least a partial benefit once ANCHOR and Senior Freeze offsets are calculated. Run the numbers before skipping.
How to Check Your Payment Status
Quick Answer: Use the NJ Division of Taxation Property Tax Relief Benefit Status Inquiry tool online. You need your SSN or ITIN and your ZIP code. The tool shows whether your benefit is processing, no record found, or benefit issued with the issue date.
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
- Visit the NJ Property Tax Relief Benefit Status Inquiry
- You may check your Stay NJ benefit status using the state’s Division of Taxation online tool. You will need your zip code and your Social Security Number (or individual taxpayer identification number) to use the tool.
- Review your result using the table below
What Your Status Result Means:
| Status Tool Shows | What It Means | Your Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Payment not yet finalized | Wait and recheck after May 15 |
| No Record Found | Data mismatch or application not yet loaded | Verify filing status; call hotline |
| Benefit Issued + Date | Check mailed on that date | Wait for mail; verify address on file |
Option 2: Phone
To check the status of your Stay NJ payment or for general New Jersey property tax relief questions, call 1-888-238-1233.
Option 3: In Person
Visit Regional Information Centers in person for more information on New Jersey property tax relief. Locations are listed at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml.
What If Your Check Does Not Arrive After May 15?
Quick Answer: Check your online status first. If the tool confirms a check was issued but you have not received it within 10 business days, contact the Division directly.
Follow this escalation path:
- Step 1: Use the Benefit Status Inquiry tool to confirm whether a payment was issued and on what date
- Step 2: Confirm your mailing address on file is current and correct at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/contact.shtml
- Step 3: If status shows “issued” but no check arrived after 10 business days, call 1-888-238-1233
- Step 4: If further help is needed, schedule a callback through the NJ Taxation appointment system at nj.gov/treasury/taxation
- Step 5: Review the Scam Alert section below before responding to any unsolicited contact
For a broader look at what causes NJ property tax benefit processing delays, the NJ State Tax Refund Delay 2026 guide covers common patterns that also apply to property tax relief programs.
How You Will Receive Your Payment
Quick Answer: How you receive your payment depends on how you filed your PAS-1 application. Paper filers receive a paper check by mail. Online filers may have had a direct deposit option for some benefits.
Applicants who file a paper PAS-1 application will receive all their benefits by paper check mailed to the address indicated on the application. However, applicants who file the online PAS-1 application will have the option to receive some of their payments by direct deposit.
This is an important distinction that many guides, including earlier versions of this one, got wrong. If you filed your PAS-1 on paper, you will receive a paper check. If you filed online, you may have selected direct deposit for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze portions. The NJ Division of Taxation will follow whatever payment method your application specified.
If you are unsure how you filed, call 1-888-238-1233 or check the status tool for your issued payment details.
Stay NJ vs. ANCHOR vs. Senior Freeze
Quick Answer: Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze are three completely separate programs with separate payment schedules and separate checks. Your Stay NJ check does not include ANCHOR or Senior Freeze funds.
Stay NJ benefit checks do not include Senior Freeze or ANCHOR benefits. If you are eligible for the Senior Freeze and/or ANCHOR programs, those benefits will be paid separately.
| Program | Who It Covers | How It Is Paid | 2026 Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay NJ | Homeowners age 65+, income under $500K (current law) | Paper check, quarterly | Feb 9, May 15, Aug, Nov |
| ANCHOR | NJ homeowners and renters broadly | Paper check or direct deposit | Starting September 15, rolling basis, most within 90 days |
| Senior Freeze | Seniors and disability recipients, income limits apply | Paper check or direct deposit | Beginning July 15, continues on a rolling schedule |
For the complete breakdown of ANCHOR payment dates and status, see the NJ ANCHOR Benefit 2026 Payout Dates and Status guide.
For Senior Freeze eligibility details and income limits, see the NJ Senior Freeze 2026 Income Limit and Eligibility guide.
How to Apply: PAS-1 Deadline November 2, 2026
Quick Answer: The PAS-1 combined application for Tax Year 2025 benefits is currently open. The deadline to apply for the 2025 application is November 2, 2026. Apply early to avoid processing delays.
While 2026 Stay NJ payouts are a result of last year’s application deadline, New Jersey residents may begin applying for the next round of property tax benefits. The application deadline is November 2, 2026. Eligible homeowners must fill out the PAS-1 application to receive a Stay NJ payout.
The PAS-1 application is available at propertytaxreliefapp.nj.gov. The online application requires identity verification through ID.me. Have one of the following ready: driver’s license, state ID, passport card, or passport.
Even if you believe your income or property tax level makes you ineligible, run the calculation before skipping. Many homeowners in Morris and Monmouth counties have qualified for a partial benefit once ANCHOR and Senior Freeze offsets are factored into the Stay NJ formula.
Submitting early is strongly recommended. For a guide to common NJ tax application errors that cause delays, see 7 NJ Tax Mistakes That Cost Residents Money.
Scam Alert: Protect Yourself This Check Season
Check season is peak season for scammers targeting NJ seniors. Fraudsters know when state checks are expected and use that timing to impersonate government officials.
Never click links or share personal information in an unsolicited text message or email. If you are unsure about a message, contact us directly through our official channels.
Rules to follow:
- The NJ Division of Taxation will never text or email you asking for personal information related to your property tax benefit
- Never call back a number from an unsolicited voicemail claiming to be “NJ Treasury” or “Division of Taxation”
- Only use nj.gov/treasury/taxation or call 1-888-238-1233 to check your status
- If anyone claims your check was intercepted and asks for verification or a fee, hang up immediately and call 1-888-238-1233 directly
- Report suspected scams to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846
Update Log
- May 3, 2026: Article published. May 15 mail date confirmed. Budget cut proposal details added from official NJ Treasury and Governor’s Office sources.
- Planned update: Post-May 15 update to reflect status tool results and any post-mailing guidance from NJ Division of Taxation.
For the most accurate updates, always verify details through official government sources.
Sources and Disclaimer
Sources:
- NJ Division of Taxation, Stay NJ Program
- NJ Division of Taxation, Property Tax Relief Programs
- NJ Division of Taxation, Property Tax Relief FAQs
- NJ Treasury Press Release, March 10, 2026, FY2027 Budget
- NJ Governor’s Office, FY2027 Budget Announcement
- NJ DLGS, Average Residential Property Tax Report, Tax Year 2024
Important Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Payment dates, benefit amounts, and eligibility rules are subject to change based on New Jersey State Budget appropriations and legislative action. The FY2027 budget proposal to modify Stay NJ has not been enacted into law as of May 3, 2026. The proposed income cap reduction to $250,000 and maximum benefit reduction to $4,000 require full legislative approval before taking effect. The state budget process requires a final approved budget by July 1, 2026. Always verify current program details through the NJ Division of Taxation before making any financial decisions. This information is based on publicly available data from official NJ Division of Taxation publications, NJ Treasury press releases, and official program documentation as of May 3, 2026. Eligibility requirements, including income limits, and benefits available for all property tax relief programs are subject to change by the State Budget.
Author Information
Last Updated: May 3, 2026
Written by: Marcus Throne, CPA NJ CPA License No. 34CC015 | Verify license at the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
Marcus Throne is a New Jersey licensed Certified Public Accountant (NJ CPA License No. 34CC015) specializing in NJ state tax compliance and property tax relief programs. He has worked with senior homeowners on NJ property tax relief filings and leads the editorial review process at NJ Tax Alerts, ensuring all content meets YMYL accuracy standards before publication.
Reviewed by: Sarah Jenkins, EA IRS Enrolled Agent | Verify EA credentials at the IRS RPO Database
Sarah Jenkins is an Enrolled Agent credentialed by the IRS, specializing in state tax liabilities, business compliance, and individual tax planning strategies. She reviews all property tax and government benefit content for factual accuracy against the latest IRS circulars and NJ Division of Taxation publications.
Fact-Check Policy: This guide was reviewed against official New Jersey Division of Taxation publications, Stay NJ program guidelines, NJ Treasury press releases, and the Governor’s FY2027 budget proposal documents as of May 3, 2026.
Corrections: If you find an error or outdated information in this article, please contact the NJ Tax Alerts editorial team for a prompt correction.
🚨 Stay Updated! Never Miss a Tax Deadline
Rules, deadlines, and refund statuses change constantly in New Jersey. Don't risk missing out on your money. Join our free channels to get instant, real-time alerts delivered straight to your phone.