(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Craig Coughlin, Joann Downey, Raj Mukherji, Angela McKnight, Troy Singleton and Daniel R. Benson granting seniors and disabled residents more time to apply for their property tax rebates cleared the legislature with final approval by the full Assembly, 70-0. The bill will now go to the Governor for further consideration.
“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 bill (A-3466) would require 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.”
“New Jersey residents who qualify for property tax rebates should be able to lean on those reimbursements in order to keep up with the rising cost of everyday items,” said Singleton (D-Burlington). “With more time to apply, fewer people will be locked out of accessing a benefit that can make significant difference in their lives.”
“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.”