Seniors in Hopewell Township and Hopewell Borough can apply for three state programs on one form: Stay NJ, Senior Freeze, and ANCHOR. For 2025 benefits, the form is the PAS-1, and the State of New Jersey lists the filing deadline as November 2, 2026.
Here's a plain breakdown:
Stay NJ. For homeowners 65 or older (you or your spouse) with income of $200,000 or less. The state lists maximum benefits of up to $6,500 for income up to $100,000, up to $5,000 for income from $100,000 to $150,000, and up to $4,000 for income from $150,000 to $200,000. The 2025 benefit is scheduled to be paid in February and May 2027.
Senior Freeze. Reimburses increases in property taxes for eligible older homeowners. The state's current guidance covers homeowners born in 1960 or earlier, or those receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits. Income limits apply, so check the PAS-1 instructions.
ANCHOR. Property tax relief for homeowners with gross income up to $250,000, based on owning the home as of October 1, 2025.
One application. The PAS-1 covers all three, and it can be filed online or on paper.
Questions. The state's Property Tax Relief Hotline is 1-888-238-1233.
These programs can matter when you're deciding whether to stay put or downsize. If you're planning a move in the next year or two, ask how a sale would affect the benefits you've already applied for.
Fred Gomberg, an SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach in Princeton, helps Hopewell and Pennington homeowners weigh staying versus selling with real numbers in front of them. A short sit-down at your kitchen table is an easy place to start, with no pressure to list. For tax questions specific to you, a tax professional is the right call.
