Anchor, Senior Freeze (Other Social Services)

​1. Anchor (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters)

This is a property tax rebate program designed for homeowners and renters in New Jersey. The program aims to alleviate the property tax burden on New Jersey residents and is structured to provide benefits to both homeowners and renters alike.

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a. Eligibility Requirements

• Homeowners:

  • Must own and reside in a home in New Jersey as of October 1, 2025.

  • Income Limit: 2025 income must be $250,000 or less.

• Renters:

  • Must reside in a rental property in New Jersey as of October 1, 2025.

  • Income Limit: Income must be $150,000 or less.

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b. Benefits
Homeowners and renters may receive a cash rebate based on their income level.
Rebate payments are issued via check or direct deposit to a bank account.

c. How to Apply: Applications can be submitted online via the program website or by mail.

• Required Documents:

  • Proof of income (e.g., tax returns).

  • Homeowners: Proof of property tax payment.

  • Renters: Rental lease agreement and proof of rent payments.

d. Deadline

• The annual deadline is subject to change; please check the official New Jersey state government website for the most up-to-date information.

• The deadline for 2026 applications is November 2, 2026.

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e. Additional Information

• The ANCHOR program replaces the previous Homestead Benefit program, with the goal of extending benefits to a broader range of New Jersey residents.

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If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the KCS NJ Care Manager Team for assistance.​
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2. Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement Program)
New Jersey’s Senior Freeze (Property Tax Relief) is a program designed to alleviate the burden of rising property taxes for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. This program reimburses the increase in property taxes incurred after a specific base year. In essence, it "freezes" your property tax liability at a specific base-year amount; consequently, even if your property taxes rise in subsequent years, you are reimbursed for the difference based on that frozen amount.
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a. Eligibility Requirements

• Age or Disability Status

  • You must be at least 65 years of age as of the calendar year for which you are applying.

  • Alternatively, you may qualify if you have been officially recognized as having a disability for a continuous period of time.

• New Jersey Residency

  • You must have resided in New Jersey for at least 10 years, and you must have owned and occupied your current home for at least 3 years (as a New Jersey resident as of December 31, 2022).

• Income Limits

  • Income limits vary by year, as the program is targeted toward low-income individuals.

  • For the 2024 tax year (based on the tax filing year), your total income must not exceed $168,268.

  • For the 2025 tax year (based on the tax filing year), your total income must not exceed $172,475.

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b. How to Apply

• You must complete and submit an application annually. The required documents include:

  • Proof of income (e.g., tax returns)

  • Proof of property tax payments

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c. Important Deadlines

• Application deadlines may vary from year to year, so please be sure to check for the most up-to-date information.

• The deadline for 2026 applications is November 2, 2026.

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3. Transportation Services
In Bergen County, New Jersey, free or low-cost transportation services are provided for residents—particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those in need of assistance. The following options are available:
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a. Bergen County Community Transportation Services

• Eligibility: Seniors aged 60 and older, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

• Services Provided:

  • Transportation to hospital appointments, shopping destinations, and social service agencies.

  • Operates Monday through Friday.​​

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b. NJ Transit Access Link

• Eligibility: Individuals unable to use standard NJ Transit buses due to a disability.

• Services Provided: Curb-to-curb transportation service within a 3/4-mile radius of NJ Transit bus routes.

• How to Apply: An eligibility assessment is required.

  • Call 1-800-955-2321 or visit the NJ Transit Access Link website.

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c. Rideshare Partnerships

• Some municipalities within Bergen County partner with rideshare services—such as Lyft or Uber—to provide free or subsidized transportation services to seniors and low-income residents.

  • Ride Connect Program: 201-368-5955

  • Mon–Fri, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

• EZ Ride: 201-939-4242 or 866-208-1307 (Ext. 4)

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4. Meals on Wheels
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a. Eligibility Criteria: Meals on Wheels services are typically provided to individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Seniors aged 60 or older who are homebound or have difficulty preparing their own meals

• Individuals with disabilities, or those recovering from an illness or surgery

• Residents who meet specific income or nutritional risk criteria

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b. Contact the Bergen County Division of Senior Services: The Meals on Wheels program is administered by the Bergen County Division of Senior Services.

• Phone: 201-336-7400

• Website: https://mealsonwheelsnorthjersey.org/

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c. Program Details

• Meal Options: Nutritionally balanced, hot meals are delivered daily or several times per week.

• Special Diets: Requests for special dietary needs—such as diabetic or low-sodium meals—can be accommodated.

• Cost: Meals are provided free of charge or are subsidized; a small voluntary contribution may be requested based on income level.​​