Approximately 430,000 New Jersey senior homeowners are waiting for their Stay NJ August 2026 quarterly installment check, and the program has changed significantly under the FY2027 Appropriations Act. If you are unsure when your check arrives, how much to expect, or whether the new income rules affect your specific benefit, this guide covers every verified detail you need.
The Stay NJ August 2026 installment will be paid in August 2026, based on official NJ Division of Taxation guidance. A separate final quarterly check is also confirmed for November 2026. Both payments are regular quarterly installments. The FY2027 Appropriations Act, signed June 30, 2026, also introduced a new income eligibility structure that applies to the 2025 benefit year payments beginning in 2027. Understanding which rules apply to which benefit year prevents confusion and helps you plan accurately.
Written by: Marcus Throne, CPA | Reviewed by: Sarah Jenkins, EA | Last Updated: August 15, 2026
Primary Sources: NJ Division of Taxation, NJ Treasury Press Release (February 9, 2026), FY2027 Appropriations Act (signed June 30, 2026)
Stay NJ August 2026: Quick Answer at a Glance
| Detail | Official Guidance |
|---|---|
| August installment timing | Paid in August 2026, rolling basis. No exact calendar day officially published |
| Payment amount | Regular quarterly installment. Average Q1 was ~$637. Average Q2 was ~$645.58 |
| November 2026 check | Confirmed. A separate final quarterly check will be paid in November 2026 |
| Payment method | Paper check by mail only. Stay NJ will not be issued as direct deposit |
| New income cap (2025 benefit year / 2027 program) | $200,000 or less, with tiered maximums |
| Income under $100,000 (2025 benefit year) | Up to $6,500 per year |
| Income $100,001 to $150,000 (2025 benefit year) | Up to $5,000 per year |
| Income $150,001 to $200,000 (2025 benefit year) | Up to $4,000 per year |
| PAS-1 filing deadline (2025 benefit year) | November 2, 2026 |
| Check payment status | propertytaxreliefstatus.nj.gov or call 1-888-238-1233 |
Allow up to 30 days for USPS delivery after the state initiates mailing. Payment timing is subject to State Budget appropriations. Source: NJ Division of Taxation.
The August 2026 “Auto-File” Confusion Explained
- The September 15 Deadline: If you have moved, changed your name, or updated your direct deposit bank account since the last tax relief distribution, you cannot rely on automatic filing. You must manually update your file at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov by September 15, 2026.
- PAS-1 Filers Are Separate: Seniors over age 65 who utilize the composite PAS-1 application still have until November 2, 2026 to submit their paperwork. The ongoing August ANCHOR letters simply verify your automated data system match.
What Is the Stay NJ Program?
Quick Answer: Stay NJ is a New Jersey property tax relief program that reimburses eligible homeowners aged 65 and older through quarterly installments. If you qualify for all three programs, the Stay NJ amount is generally the difference between 50 percent of your property taxes (up to the applicable annual cap) and the payments you already received through ANCHOR and Senior Freeze.
The annual benefit is capped at $6,500, regardless of your actual property tax bill. The 50 percent formula applies to the first $13,000 of your property tax bill. If your bill exceeds $13,000, your Stay NJ benefit is still limited to the $6,500 annual maximum.
Stay NJ benefits are paid in equal quarterly installments, not as a lump sum. As of the February 2026 inaugural mailing, approximately 430,000 qualifying NJ taxpayers are enrolled to receive Stay NJ quarterly installment checks. (Source: NJ Treasury, February 9, 2026)
Important eligibility facts to know:
- Applicants must be age 65 or older to qualify for Stay NJ specifically. Social Security Disability alone does not qualify you for Stay NJ
- Renters are not eligible for Stay NJ, though renters may qualify for ANCHOR separately
- Mobile home owners are not eligible for Stay NJ
- Homeowners whose property makes Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax (P.I.L.O.T.) to their municipality ARE eligible for Stay NJ. A P.I.L.O.T. arrangement does not disqualify you. (Source: NJ Division of Taxation, staynj page)
- NJ principal residence ownership is required on the qualifying date
- Stay NJ is calculated after ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits are applied first
For a complete breakdown of program eligibility rules, see the full Stay NJ 2026 eligibility and payout dates guide.
When Is the Stay NJ August 2026 Check Being Sent?
Quick Answer: New Jersey’s official Stay NJ guidance says the remaining 2024 Stay NJ benefit will be paid in two installments in 2026, one paid in August 2026 and the other paid in November 2026. The state does not publish a guaranteed calendar day for every recipient, and payments may be issued on a rolling basis.
The NJ Division of Taxation confirmed that the remaining 2024 Stay NJ benefits are subject to State Budget appropriations. The FY2027 Appropriations Act, signed June 30, 2026, officially funded both the August and November 2026 installments.
Prior quarters followed this official timeline for reference:
- Q1 began mailing February 9, 2026 (confirmed by NJ Treasury press release)
- Q2 began mailing May 15, 2026 (confirmed by NJ Treasury press release)
- Q3: August 2026 (no exact calendar day officially published by NJ Division of Taxation)
- Q4: November 2026 (confirmed as a separate quarterly check, no exact day published)
The state sends checks on a rolling basis, meaning not every recipient gets their check on the same day. Allow up to 30 days for mail delivery before contacting the Division.
Key delivery facts:
- Mailing is initiated by the state, then processed through USPS
- Allow up to 30 days for delivery after the state initiates the mailing
- Paper filers typically experience longer processing timelines than online filers
- Do not call the hotline until 30 days have passed with no delivery
November 2026 Check Is Also Confirmed
Quick Answer: A separate final quarterly Stay NJ check is confirmed for November 2026 under the FY2027 Appropriations Act signed June 30, 2026. Both the August and November checks are regular quarterly installments for the 2024 benefit year. No action is needed to receive the November check if you are already enrolled and receiving payments.
Many NJ seniors have seen conflicting information online about whether a November 2026 check exists. The FY2027 Appropriations Act explicitly funded both installments as separate payments. Your November check will arrive on a similar rolling timeline, and the same 30-day mail delivery window applies.
New Income Limits and Benefit Tiers: Which Year Do These Apply To?
Quick Answer: The new $200,000 income cap and tiered benefit structure apply to the 2025 benefit year, which will be paid in February and May of 2027. Your August 2026 and November 2026 checks are 2024 benefit year payments and follow the eligibility rules under which you were already approved.
Accuracy Note on Dated Materials: Some PAS-1 printed materials issued earlier in 2026 may still show the older $500,000 Stay NJ income threshold. The NJ Division of Taxation’s official Stay NJ webpage (updated July 27, 2026) reflects the FY2027 Appropriations Act changes, including the $200,000 cap and tiered maximum benefits for the 2027 Stay NJ Program (2025 benefit year). Always rely on the current nj.gov page rather than older printed forms.
If you are already approved for the 2024 benefit year, your August and November 2026 checks are not automatically recalculated under the new tiers. Verify your specific situation at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov.
New tiered structure for the 2025 benefit year (payments beginning February 2027):
| NJ Income (Application Year) | Maximum Annual Benefit | Approximate Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 or less | Up to $6,500 | Up to approximately $1,625 |
| $100,001 to $150,000 | Up to $5,000 | Up to approximately $1,250 |
| $150,001 to $200,000 | Up to $4,000 | Up to approximately $1,000 |
| Over $200,000 | Not eligible | $0 |
Important income calculation note: For PAS-1 and Stay NJ income eligibility, use the PAS-1 income calculation instructions and include all income received in the application year, even income that is not taxable in New Jersey or not included on your NJ-1040. Do not estimate eligibility using only your federal AGI.
A critical mistake most NJ residents make is using their federal Adjusted Gross Income when determining Stay NJ eligibility. The NJ income calculation is different and in many cases produces a higher figure.
For a complete breakdown of the FY2027 budget changes, see the Stay NJ rebate cut 2026 new limits guide.
No Direct Deposit: What Every Stay NJ Recipient Must Know
Quick Answer: Stay NJ is issued as a paper check by mail. Even if you choose direct deposit for other Property Tax Relief payments through the online PAS-1, New Jersey’s assistance materials state that Stay NJ will not be issued as direct deposit.
This is one of the most common points of confusion among NJ seniors. Many residents who selected direct deposit when filing for ANCHOR assume the same applies to Stay NJ. It does not.
Stay NJ has no direct deposit option. Even if you received your ANCHOR benefit via direct deposit, the Stay NJ program issues physical paper checks only. Ensure your mailing address is 100 percent correct with the NJ Division of Taxation to avoid mail delays or lost checks.
Practical steps to ensure your check arrives without issues:
- Verify your mailing address is current with the NJ Division of Taxation before payments begin
- Do not expect a combined envelope with your ANCHOR or Senior Freeze payment, as these are mailed separately
- If you moved since filing your PAS-1, contact the Division immediately at 1-888-238-1233 to update your address
- Watch for a white envelope from the NJ Division of Taxation and do not discard it as junk mail
- If your check is lost or damaged, contact the hotline at 1-888-238-1233 to request a replacement
How to Check Your Stay NJ August Payment Status
Quick Answer: For 2025 PAS-1 application status, use the official status checker at propertytaxreliefstatus.nj.gov. For Stay NJ 2024 benefit details and payment status, use the State’s online inquiry system linked from the official Stay NJ page.
For your 2024 Stay NJ benefit (the August installment):
- Go to nj.gov/treasury/taxation/staynj.shtml
- Select the Stay NJ 2024 benefit year online inquiry option
- Enter your Social Security Number or ITIN
- Enter your ZIP code exactly as shown on your application
- Review your payment status and expected mailing information
For your 2025 PAS-1 application status (filed this year):
- Go to propertytaxreliefstatus.nj.gov
- Enter your SSN or ITIN and ZIP code
- If “No Application Found” appears, wait up to 3 weeks for online filers or up to 12 weeks for paper filers
- If still unresolved after the appropriate wait period, contact the hotline
Contact options when the status tool cannot resolve your issue:
- Phone: 1-888-238-1233 (Property Tax Relief Hotline)
- Note: [email protected] primarily handles ANCHOR program inquiries. For Stay NJ-specific questions, use the phone hotline 1-888-238-1233 or visit nj.gov/treasury/taxation/staynj directly for the most current contact routing
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Scam warning: Never click links in unsolicited texts or emails claiming to be from the NJ Division of Taxation. The state will never request personal information via text message or unsolicited email. Always navigate directly to the official nj.gov website yourself.
Common Reasons Your August Check Has Not Arrived
Quick Answer: The most common reasons are normal USPS transit time, rolling batch processing, or an address mismatch on file. Most delays resolve within the 30-day window the state recommends before taking action.
Reason 1: Normal mail transit delay
The state initiates mailing through USPS. Allow up to 30 days for delivery, as the NJ Division of Taxation officially advises. Do not assume a problem until 30 days have passed.
Reason 2: Rolling batch processing
The Division does not mail every check simultaneously. Checks go out in batches. Your neighbor may receive their check several days before or after yours. This is normal and expected.
Reason 3: Outdated or incorrect mailing address
If you moved since filing your PAS-1, your check may be sent to your previous address on file. Contact the Division immediately at 1-888-238-1233 to update your address before payments are initiated.
Reason 4: Application or income review hold
In some cases the Division holds a payment for additional verification. Your status tool will show a “review pending” or similar message in this case. Follow the instructions shown in the status tool.
Reason 5: Expecting ANCHOR or Senior Freeze in the same envelope
These programs mail separately from Stay NJ. A missing Stay NJ check does not indicate a problem with your ANCHOR or Senior Freeze benefit. Verify each program’s status individually using the appropriate status tools.
For a full overview of how NJ property tax relief programs work together, see the NJ property tax relief 2026 update.
PAS-1 Form 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Filing Guide
Quick Answer: PAS-1 is the combined application for Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze programs. It is designed for NJ residents age 65 and older OR those receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits. The 2025 PAS-1 deadline is November 2, 2026. Note that SSD/Railroad Retirement sections on PAS-1 apply to ANCHOR and Senior Freeze eligibility only. Stay NJ requires age 65 or older regardless of disability status.
Who Should File PAS-1 vs. ANC-1
| Form | Who Files | Programs Covered |
|---|---|---|
| PAS-1 | Age 65 or older, OR SSD/Railroad Retirement Disability recipients | ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ (Stay NJ requires age 65 regardless) |
| ANC-1 | Under age 65 without qualifying disability benefits | ANCHOR only |
Filing the wrong form delays processing and can result in missed benefits. Confirm which form applies to your situation before you begin.
What to Gather Before Starting
Preparing these documents before you begin saves time and reduces errors:
- 2024 and 2025 income information per PAS-1 instructions (including all income received in the application year, not only NJ-1040 figures)
- SSA-1099 showing Social Security income received
- Property tax bill showing block, lot, and qualifier numbers
- County and municipality code for your NJ property
- Social Security Number or ITIN for all filers listed on the application
- ID.me account credentials if filing online, which requires a driver’s license or passport
- Current mailing address exactly as it appears on your NJ tax records
Step-by-Step PAS-1 Filing Process
Step 1: Choose Your Filing Method
Online filing is available at propertytaxreliefapp.nj.gov and requires ID.me identity verification. Online filers receive a reference number immediately and can track their application status within approximately 3 weeks.
Paper filing is also permitted. Download the PAS-1 form from nj.gov/treasury/taxation and mail your completed application to:
NJ Division of Taxation
Revenue Processing Center
Property Tax Relief Application
PO Box 635
Trenton, NJ 08646-0635
Step 2: Enter Personal Information
Enter your filing status exactly as it appears on your NJ-1040. Include the birth year of the primary applicant.
CRITICAL NOTE: If you receive SSD or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits, sections 3a or 3b on PAS-1 are ONLY for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze eligibility purposes. These sections do NOT make you eligible for Stay NJ. Stay NJ requires age 65 or older, period. Do not assume SSD enrollment equals Stay NJ eligibility.
Step 3: Confirm Residency and Property Type
Confirm that you were an owner-occupant of your NJ principal residence on October 1, 2025. Enter your property address exactly as it appears on your property tax bill. Any discrepancy here can trigger a processing delay.
Step 4: Enter Block, Lot, and Qualifier Information
This information appears on your local property tax bill. Errors in the block, lot, or qualifier fields are among the leading causes of processing delays. If your property is co-owned, report your specific ownership percentage on the form. Contact your local tax collector if you cannot locate this information.
Step 5: Complete the Income Section
For PAS-1 income eligibility, include all income received in the application year, even income not taxable in New Jersey or not reflected on your NJ-1040. Do not estimate your eligibility using only your federal AGI. Follow the PAS-1 income instructions line by line.
Step 6: No Proof of Property Taxes Required
You no longer need to include any documentation proving property taxes paid. The old PTR-1A and PTR-2A verification forms have been eliminated. Enter your property tax amounts directly from your tax bill into the appropriate fields.
Step 7: Sign and Date
Both spouses or civil union partners must sign the completed form if filing jointly. Unsigned applications are returned unprocessed, which can cause you to miss the November 2, 2026 deadline.
Step 8: Submit by November 2, 2026
Paper applications must be postmarked by November 2, 2026. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on November 2, 2026. Missing this deadline means forfeiting your 2025 benefit year payments.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for the Senior Freeze component, review the NJ Senior Freeze 2026 income limit and eligibility guide before filing.
Stay NJ 2026 Complete Payment Schedule
| Quarter | Payment Period | Timing | Average Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 (2024 benefit year) | First installment | Began mailing February 9, 2026 | ~$637 per household | Paid and confirmed |
| Q2 (2024 benefit year) | Second installment | Began mailing May 15, 2026 | ~$645.58 per household | Paid and confirmed |
| Q3 (2024 benefit year) | Third installment | August 2026, rolling basis | Similar to Q1/Q2 range | State confirms checks are actively processing. Allow 30 days for USPS transit before calling. |
| Q4 (2024 benefit year) | Fourth installment | November 2026, rolling basis | Similar to Q1/Q2 range | Confirmed as separate quarterly check |
| 2025 benefit year | New quarterly schedule | February and May 2027 | Subject to 2025 tier rules | Per official Stay NJ guidance |
| ANCHOR 2026 Payouts | Overlap Benefit | Mid-September 2026 (Seniors 65+) | Up to $1,750 | New Update: Treasury officials confirmed payments for seniors 65+ begin rolling out mid-September. |
The official Stay NJ guidance states the 2025 benefit will be paid in February and May of 2027. These payments are subject to the new $200,000 income cap and tiered structure introduced under the FY2027 Appropriations Act.
For ANCHOR benefit payment tracking, which runs on a completely separate schedule from Stay NJ, see the NJ ANCHOR benefit 2026 payout dates and status guide.
Stay NJ vs. ANCHOR vs. Senior Freeze: Key Differences
Many NJ homeowners confuse these three programs. Understanding how they interact helps you maximize your total property tax relief and file the correct forms.
| Program | Who Qualifies | Benefit Type | Payment Method | Available to Renters | Mobile Home Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay NJ | Age 65 or older, homeowners only | 50% of property tax up to annual cap | Paper check only | No | No |
| ANCHOR | Homeowners and renters, all ages | Flat benefit based on income and status | Paper check or direct deposit for online filers | Yes | No |
| Senior Freeze | Age 65 or older or SSD, homeowners | Reimburses property tax increases above base year | Paper check | No | Yes, if they meet Senior Freeze rules |
Stay NJ is calculated after ANCHOR and Senior Freeze are applied to your bill first. If those programs already cover 50 percent of your property tax bill, your Stay NJ payment may be reduced or may not result in an additional payment.
Analysis of past NJ tax data shows that applicants who receive all three programs sometimes assume their Stay NJ check will always equal the full tier maximum. In reality, the benefit equals 50 percent of your property tax bill minus what ANCHOR and Senior Freeze already cover. Understanding this stacking calculation prevents incorrect expectations about your check amount.
Common Mistakes NJ Seniors Make With Stay NJ
Mistake 1: Assuming SSD qualifies you for Stay NJ
Social Security Disability alone does not qualify you for Stay NJ. You must be age 65 or older in the application year. SSD sections on PAS-1 exist solely for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze eligibility purposes.
Mistake 2: Using federal AGI to calculate income eligibility
The income calculation for PAS-1 and Stay NJ includes all income received in the application year, even amounts not included on your NJ-1040. Federal AGI is not the correct figure to use. Follow the PAS-1 income instructions directly.
Mistake 3: Expecting direct deposit
Stay NJ has never offered direct deposit. Every Stay NJ quarterly check arrives by paper mail, even if you receive ANCHOR electronically. Ensure your mailing address on file is current.
Mistake 4: Missing the PAS-1 deadline assuming automatic renewal
Stay NJ is not automatically renewed without a current PAS-1 on file for each benefit year. Missing the November 2, 2026 deadline means losing your 2025 benefit year quarterly payments beginning in 2027.
Mistake 5: Confusing old printed PAS-1 income thresholds with current rules
Some PAS-1 printed materials from earlier in 2026 still reflect the old $500,000 income threshold. The current nj.gov page (updated July 27, 2026) reflects the new $200,000 cap for the 2025 benefit year. Always check the official website rather than relying on older printed forms.
Stay NJ Portal Errors & Co-Ownership Rules (August 2026 Update)
How to Fix Property Tax Relief Status Portal Errors
If you are checking your August 2026 installment status and the portal displays an error, use these verified programmatic protocols to track your voucher:
- “No Application Found” Error: This indicates a backend index loop. If you submitted the online PAS-1 application, the system takes up to 3 weeks to sync data. If you submitted a physical paper form, manual entry processing requires up to 12 weeks.
- “Review Pending” Status: Your record is flagged for an income verification match. Do not submit a duplicate form; wait for an official physical letter from Trenton.
- Mismatched ZIP Code Holds: Ensure the input matches the primary property address listed on your 2025 PAS-1 application, not a seasonal or forwarding address.
Stay NJ Rules for Deceased Homeowners & Estates
A major viral query among family members in August 2026 is how to handle property tax relief for a deceased parent or spouse:
- Eligibility Cut-off: If the qualified senior homeowner was alive on the principal residency benchmark date, the estate is legally entitled to the 2024 benefit year checks.
- Filing the PAS-1 Form: An estate executor, administrator, or surviving heir must fill out and sign the composite application on behalf of the deceased.
- Clearing the Physical Check: If the paper voucher arrives printed in the deceased person’s name, it cannot be cash-endorsed directly. The executor must deposit it into a formal estate account or utilize an official NJ Form L-8 inheritance tax waiver to release financial institution holds.
The Stacking Rebate Formula for Co-Owners & Siblings
Many seniors who jointly own a home with siblings, friends, or unmarried partners do not receive the full amount due to calculation division traps:
- Proportional Dividend Split: The NJ Division of Taxation computes the 50 percent property tax benefit based solely on your specific percentage of ownership. If two siblings split a home 50/50, each individual’s maximum cap is divided proportionally.
- The Single-Family Stacking Cap: Multiple co-owners living under one roof cannot bypass the absolute program boundaries. The cumulative property tax relief from Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze can never exceed 50 percent of the actual total municipal tax levy for that specific block and lot.
- Income Tier Discrepancies: Under the new fiscal frameworks, if one co-owner earns $90,000 and the other earns $140,000, their respective top-up calculations will use entirely separate tiered maximum schedules, changing the final combined check layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Stay NJ August 2026 check be paid?
The NJ Division of Taxation states the remaining 2024 Stay NJ benefit will be paid in August 2026 on a rolling basis. The state does not publish a guaranteed exact calendar day for every recipient. Allow up to 30 days for USPS delivery before contacting the Division at 1-888-238-1233.
Will there be a separate November 2026 Stay NJ check?
Yes. A separate final quarterly Stay NJ check is confirmed for November 2026 under the FY2027 Appropriations Act. Both the August and November 2026 checks are regular quarterly installments for the 2024 benefit year. No additional action is needed to receive the November check if you are already enrolled.
Is direct deposit available for Stay NJ?
No. Stay NJ will not be issued as direct deposit. Every Stay NJ quarterly installment arrives as a physical paper check mailed to your address on file. This is different from ANCHOR, which offers direct deposit to online filers. Ensure your mailing address is current with the NJ Division of Taxation.
Do the new $200,000 income tiers affect my August 2026 check?
No. The new tiered caps apply to the 2025 benefit year, which will be paid in February and May of 2027. Your August and November 2026 checks are 2024 benefit year payments. If you were already approved under the prior eligibility rules, those checks are not recalculated under the new tiers.
What is the PAS-1 deadline and where do I mail the paper form?
The 2025 PAS-1 deadline is November 2, 2026. Paper applications must be postmarked by that date. Mail to: NJ Division of Taxation, Revenue Processing Center, Property Tax Relief Application, PO Box 635, Trenton, NJ 08646-0635. Online applications must be submitted at propertytaxreliefapp.nj.gov by 11:59 p.m. on November 2, 2026.
Does SSD or Railroad Retirement Disability qualify me for Stay NJ?
No. Social Security Disability alone does not qualify you for Stay NJ. You must be age 65 or older in the application year. SSD sections on PAS-1 exist to qualify you for ANCHOR and Senior Freeze only. Disability recipients under age 65 are not eligible for Stay NJ regardless of benefit type.
How do I check my Stay NJ August payment status?
For 2024 Stay NJ benefit status, use the online inquiry system on the officialStay NJ page. For 2025 PAS-1 application status, use propertytaxreliefstatus.nj.gov. Online filers should allow up to 3 weeks for status to appear. Paper filers should allow up to 12 weeks. For unresolved issues, call 1-888-238-1233, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
I received an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter in August 2026. Does this mean my Stay NJ check is approved?
What happens if my automatic confirmation letter has my old address listed?
Final Verdict
The Stay NJ August 2026 quarterly installment check will be paid in August 2026 on a rolling basis, followed by a confirmed separate final quarterly check in November 2026. Both are regular quarterly payments for the 2024 benefit year. Prior quarter averages were approximately $637 (Q1) and $645.58 (Q2), providing a reference point for what to expect. The new $200,000 income cap and tiered benefit structure introduced by the FY2027 Appropriations Act apply to the 2025 benefit year payments beginning in February and May 2027, not to your current August or November checks. Every Stay NJ payment arrives as a paper check with no direct deposit option. If you have not yet filed your 2025 PAS-1 application, the deadline is November 2, 2026.
For the most accurate and current updates, always verify details directly through the NJ Division of Taxation at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/staynj.shtml or by calling 1-888-238-1233.
For the most accurate updates, always verify details through official government sources.
Sources and Disclaimer
- NJ Division of Taxation, Stay NJ Program Page: confirms quarterly installment structure, payment timing, paper check distribution, and P.I.L.O.T. eligibility
- NJ Treasury Press Release, February 9, 2026: confirms Q1 began mailing February 9, 2026, approximately 430,000 qualifying taxpayers enrolled, average Q1 benefit of $637
- NJ Treasury Press Release, May 15, 2026: confirms Q2 began mailing May 15, 2026, average Q2 benefit of $645.58
- FY2027 Appropriations Act, signed June 30, 2026: confirms August and November 2026 quarterly installments, new $200,000 income limit, and tiered benefit structure for the 2025 benefit year
- NJ PAS-1 Form Instructions: confirms PO Box 635, November 2, 2026 deadline, and income calculation rules
- propertytaxreliefstatus.nj.gov: official 2025 PAS-1 status check tool
This information is based on publicly available data from official NJ Division of Taxation sources, NJ Treasury press releases, and the FY2027 Appropriations Act as of August 2026. Payment timing is approximate and subject to USPS delivery. Income eligibility rules reflect FY2027 budget provisions for the 2025 benefit year and may change subject to future state budget appropriations. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a licensed NJ CPA or Enrolled Agent for guidance specific to your situation.
Written by: Marcus Throne, CPA
NJ CPA License: 34CC015 | Verify at New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
Marcus Throne is a New Jersey-licensed Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in corporate tax structuring, state-level compliance, and federal relief programs. He has helped over 500 New Jersey businesses and individuals navigate state tax obligations and oversees editorial accuracy at NJ Tax Alerts.
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Reviewed by: Sarah Jenkins, EA
Verify EA credentials at the IRS RPO database
Sarah Jenkins is a federally authorized Enrolled Agent credentialed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. She specializes in state tax liabilities, business compliance, and individual tax planning strategies. Sarah audits all NJ Tax Alerts guides against the latest IRS Publication circulars and NJ State Legislature updates before publication.
Last Updated: August 15, 2026
Fact-Check Policy: This guide was reviewed against official New Jersey Division of Taxation publications, FY2027 Appropriations Act provisions, and NJ Treasury press releases as of August 2026.
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