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Coughlin, Downey, Mukherji, McKnight & Benson Bill Extending Deadline to Apply for Senior Freeze Property Tax Rebates Signed into Law

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assembly Democrats Joann Downey, Raj Mukherji, Angela McKnight and Daniel R. Benson granting seniors and disabled residents more time to apply for their property tax rebates has been signed into law.

“For those living on a fixed income, like seniors and certain disabled residents, every little bit helps,” said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “The senior freeze program can provide a substantial boost to those individuals so we’d like to make sure they have as much time as possible to apply and take advantage of it.”

“Property tax rebates are often a much-needed income boost that can make the difference between whether someone can afford their prescriptions or pay their utility bill,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “By extending the deadline, hopefully we can ensure that more seniors and disabled residents have time to apply for what is rightfully owed to them.”

The law (A-3466) requires that applications for participation in the homestead property tax reimbursement program, colloquially known as the “senior freeze” program, be filed with the director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury between April 1 and October 31 of the year following the year for which the claim is being made.

Under current law, the deadline is June 1 of the following year.

“With a longer application period, more senior citizens and disabled individuals who may be eligible to participate in this property tax relief program can apply for a rebate,” said Mukherji (D-Hudson). “This legislation will help New Jersey residents who tend to be the hardest hit by property taxes.”

“A property tax rebate can be a lifeline in so many households throughout the state,” said McKnight (D-Hudson). “All eligible individuals ought to have sufficient time to apply.”

“Taking care of New Jersey’s seniors and disabled residents must be a priority,” said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Extending this deadline will make it possible for more people to take advantage of a program many rely on to make ends meet.”