Check Is on the Way: How to Get Your New Jersey Senior Tax Rebate

New Jersey is in the process of sending out checks for its “Senior Freeze” on property taxes. Older adults in New Jersey are receiving checks now.

This is one way to help offset New Jersey’s rising homeownership costs, so don’t let it pass you by. It’s not too late to file if you haven’t done so yet.

When Do I Get My “Senior Freeze” Check?

If you filed your application by May 1, you might already have your check at this point. Filed by June 1? You should be getting your check starting about September 1, 2026.

File by September 1, and you could see your check as early as November 2, 2026.

File by Halloween, and you could get your reimbursement as early as December 1, 2026.

Is New Jersey Really Freezing My Property Taxes?

Not exactly. But it is reimbursing you for any property tax increases once you sign up. So, it’s like locking your property taxes from that year on.  

Property values have soared in New Jersey in recent years, and that means higher tax assessments. To know a reimbursement is on the way can be a balm.

How and When Do I Apply?

The deadline to apply for PAS-1 is November 2, 2026.

Apply online or by mail. Just fill out the PAS-1 form from New Jersey’s Taxation Division. Senior Freeze recipients no longer have to demonstrate their prior tax payments on their applications.

As long as you earn under $500,000 in income, you can also sign up for the new StayNJ tax credit, which covers up to 50% of your total yearly property tax, up to $6,500. Payments are issued quarterly. This is distinct from the Senior Freeze, but you can use the same form.

What Counts as Income?

As you know, your 2025 income must have been $172,475 or less to qualify for the Senior Freeze.

In defining the deed holder’s income, New Jersey looks at employment or contract income, taxable pension benefits, annuity distributions, IRA withdrawals, and any unemployment benefits.

Where’s My Check?

You can visit New Jersey’s treasury department website to look up the status of your application. Or call the Senior Freeze Hotline: 800-882-6597.

It’s well worth making sure your reimbursement is issued. Each reimbursed dollar is money that stays in your account, not the tax department’s account.

Who May Apply?

You are eligible to apply for the Senior Freeze on property taxes if:

• You hold the deed to a New Jersey home and use it as your primary home.

• You have owned and lived in the home since December 31, 2022.

• You were still living in the home as of the last day of 2025.

• Your total 2025 income did not exceed $172,475; and your total 2024 income was $168,268 or less.

• You are aged 65 or receiving Social Security disability payments (as of the end of the 2025 tax year).

Mobile home park site fees count! So do apply if you live in a mobile home.

Can I Apply for the Senior Freeze on a Second Home or an Investment Property?

No. There are several exclusions to the Senior Freeze. In most cases:

• Property taxes for a second residence don’t qualify.

• Property that includes a commercial or rental unit won’t qualify.

• A property with more than four housing units won’t qualify.

If your deed is held in a trust, you’ll need to be the maker of the trust or its legal beneficiary.

To learn more about eligibility, please check the New Jersey Division of Taxation website, or consult your tax pro. Just don’t forget to apply if you qualify. In the heat of this market, every little “freeze” matters.