New Jersey's current Stay NJ guidance sets a $200,000 income ceiling for 2027 benefits, with the 2025 PAS-1 application due November 2, 2026. If an older booklet told you the limit was $500,000, use the updated state guidance before estimating your benefit.
Official information checked October 24, 2026.
Quick Summary
This filing uses the 2025 application year; Stay NJ payments follow in 2027. The older application booklet and the current program page show different income limits. The booklet itself warns that the State Budget can change eligibility. This guide focuses on that difference and the payment-year distinction.
Which income limit should you use?
The 2025 PAS-1 booklet still displays the earlier $500,000 threshold. Its budget notice directs readers to updated state information. The Stay NJ page, updated October 20, 2026, gives the following annualized 2027 maximums:
- Income up to $100,000: $6,500.
- $100,000.01 to $150,000: $5,000.
- $150,000.01 to $200,000: $4,000.
- Above $200,000: no Stay NJ benefit.
Annualized caps assume no Fiscal Year 2028 budget changes. Your benefit statement determines the individual amount.
Who meets the Stay NJ household rules?
You or your spouse must have been at least 65 during 2025. You must have owned and occupied the home throughout 2025, with property tax or P.I.L.O.T. obligations. Married or civil-union partners living together combine income. Renters and mobile-home owners are excluded from Stay NJ.
The state FAQ distinguishes Stay NJ from other relief: disability benefits alone do not substitute for its age requirement. Filing PAS-1 lets the Division evaluate the programs separately; missing Stay NJ's requirements does not establish ineligibility for ANCHOR or Senior Freeze.
Prepare the income calculation, not just a tax-return total
The current PAS-1 filing guidance calls for 2024 and 2025 NJ-1040 information, SSA-1099 and other applicable income records. Its line-by-line instructions cover items beyond the ordinary state taxable-income figure. Use the Income Calculation Worksheets when you were not required to file NJ-1040. VA disability and military disability pension amounts are excluded under the current instructions.
Also gather property tax details for both years, including county/municipality code and block, lot and qualifier. For online ID.me verification, prepare an accepted driver's license, state ID, passport card or passport.
Submit PAS-1 by November 2
- Check whether you already submitted the 2025 PAS-1. Senior homeowners must file it themselves; the state does not automatically file it for them.
- Use the official Property Tax Relief application or the paper form in the PAS-1 booklet.
- The booklet requires online submission by 11:59 p.m. November 2, 2026, or a paper application postmarked by that date. Keep the online reference number or a copy and mailing record.
- Review the 2025 benefit status tool and respond to requests from the Division.
The FAQ says routine proof of income need not accompany PAS-1, but the Division can request clarification later. Special ownership cases have their own documentation rules; for example, the FAQ requires trust documentation to establish qualifying ownership.
Do not confuse November 2026 with the new benefit year
The current Stay NJ schedule places remaining 2024-year payments in August and November 2026. It lists February and May 2027 for the 2025-year benefit. Select the matching application year when checking status.
For filing help, the booklet lists 1-800-323-4400. Use the current state program page for budget changes, and the booklet for form-completion instructions where they remain consistent.
Official Sources Used
- Stay NJ program page - current limits, eligibility and payment years.
- Property Tax Relief filing guidance - current income calculation and records.
- Property Tax Relief FAQ - separate program eligibility and documentation.
- 2025 PAS-1 booklet - filing deadline, budget caveat and filing help; its earlier Stay NJ income limit is superseded by current guidance.
Disclaimer
Statewise Apply Guide is an independent informational website. It is not a government agency, benefits office, law firm, financial advisor, or official application portal. We do not process applications, determine eligibility, issue payments, or provide legal, tax, financial, or benefits advice. Program details, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application links may change. Always confirm information with the official agency before applying.