Raritan NJ
7-25-2025 9:56pm

Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services Helps Seniors Access Property Tax Relief Programs

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – Almost 90% of older adults strive to age in place, but due to financial strain and lack of affordable housing, this goal has become only a dream for many. Almost half of older Americans are struggling to pay their monthly bills, according to the Health and Retirement Study and National Council on Aging.

The good news is that older residents and adults with physical disabilities can call the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services (OoADS) for information, assistance and referrals at (908) 704-6346 or (888) 747-1122.

“The Office on Aging and Disability Services has expert staff on hand who will actively listen to residents about their concerns and provide information about available services,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul M. Drake, liaison to the Somerset County Department of Human Services. “Staff will help eligible residents apply for assistance programs, including Stay NJ, Senior Freeze, and ANCHOR.”

Stay NJ – Property Tax Relief for Senior Citizens
The Stay NJ program offers property tax relief to eligible homeowners aged 65 years and older who have owned and lived in their home for the full twelve months in 2024, and have an income below $500,000. The program reimburses applicants for 50% of their property tax bills; up to a maximum of $13,000. The filing deadline is October 31, 2025. For more information about Stay NJ, visit: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/staynj/index.shtml.

Senior Freeze - Property Tax Reimbursement Program
The Senior Freeze program reimburses eligible older residents and disabled persons for property tax or mobile home park site fee increases on their principal residence. To qualify, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. For more information on Senior Freeze, visit: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/.

ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters)
This program offers property tax relief for eligible residents who own or rent New Jersey property as their main home. Eligibility is based on residency, income, and age in 2024. For more information, visit https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor/.

Residents only need to submit one application when applying for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ programs.

The OoADS can assist Somerset County residents aged 60 and above, adults with physical disabilities, and caregivers, to complete and submit an application for these and many other valuable programs, including: Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAD); Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI); Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD); and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

For more information or assistance call (908) 704-6346, toll free (888) 747-1122 or email at OfficeAging@co.somerset.nj.us.

Senior Center Programs Help Residents Age in Place
The six Somerset County-operated Senior Wellness Centers, managed by the OoADS, help older adults age safely at home by offering programs that support physical, social, and emotional well-being. Exercise and educational classes, social programs, and access to supportive services contribute to a higher quality of life. All county-operated senior centers are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Somerset County-operated senior wellness centers offer nutritionally balanced lunches, Monday through Friday, for a suggested donation of $2.50 for anyone aged 60 years and older. The cost of lunch for those under 60 is $8.47. The menu selection includes a hot, meat-based, or meatless entrée or a cold, meat-based, or meatless boxed lunch. Participants should make reservations for lunch by 10 a.m. at least one business day before they plan to attend.

Farmers Market Vouchers Still Available for the 2025 Season
Somerset County seniors aged 60 years and older who meet income eligibility limits can receive a $40 voucher to use at local farm stands. Participants can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs with these vouchers. Eligible individuals will receive this benefit one time during the 2025 season. The vouchers are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Vouchers are available between May 1 and September 30, 2025, and can be redeemed at participating Farmers’ Markets until November 30, 2025.

Income guidelines: Single individuals can earn up to a maximum of $28,953 annually, and couples can earn a combined annual income of up to $39,128. Applicants must show proof of identification, residence, and income. For more information about the vouchers, call the Somerset County OoADS at (908) 704-6346 or 1(888) 747-1122.

To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

About Somerset County
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

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