State Resources Available for Veterans, Seniors

RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Raritan Township Assessor's Office is sharing information about State resources allocated to residents more than sixty-five (65) years old and those who are Veterans.

The following initiatives are managed by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury’s Taxation Division:

Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Deduction

There is an annual $250.00 property tax deduction for a qualified Senior Citizen, Disabled Person and Surviving Spouse who meet specific requirements of the deduction. To qualify, you must be age 65 or older, or a permanently and totally disabled individual or the unmarried surviving spouse, age 55 or more, of such person.

The applicant must be a legal resident of New Jersey for one year immediately prior to Oct. 1 of the year before the year for which the deduction is requested. The applicant must also be the owner of and a permanent resident in the dwelling on Oct. 1 of the year before the year for which the deduction is requested. Income for the household may be no more than $10,000 during the year for which the deduction is claimed, excluding with restrictions, monies received from social security, Federal and State pension.

If you need additional assistance to fill out the Senior Citizens/Disabled Persons Property Tax Deduction form, contact the Raritan Township Assessor's Office at (908) 806-6933.

Veterans / Surviving Spouse (VSS) Property Tax Deduction

If you are an honorably discharged Veteran with active-duty military service, you may qualify for an annual $250 Property Tax Deduction. Reservists and National Guard personnel must be called to active-duty service to qualify. Active duty for training is ineligible. You also may qualify if you are a surviving spouse/civil union/domestic partner of an honorably discharged Veteran with active-duty military service. A VSS Form and eligibility requirements can be obtained online or at the Assessor’s Office.

Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement)

The Senior Freeze program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax or mobile home park site fee increases on their primary residence. Applicants must meet all the eligibility requirements and can learn more by visiting the State’s Senior Freeze Program page or by calling the New Jersey Senior Freeze Hotline: (800) 882-6597.

Stay NJ – Property Tax Relief for Senior Citizens

The Stay NJ program is a State initiative that offers property tax benefits to eligible homeowners aged 65 and older. It reimburses applicants for 50% of their property tax bills, up to a maximum of $13,000, with a 2024 benefit cap of $6,500. To qualify, you must have owned and lived in your home for the full 12 months of 2024 and have an income below $500,000. If you made P.I.L.O.T. (Payments-In-Lieu-Of-Tax) payments to your municipality, you are eligible for the Stay NJ benefit. Mobile homeowners are not eligible.

For more information about the Treasury’s programs, visit the State's Property Tax Relief Programs page.

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