NJ COVID-19 Updates and More

Hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans who rent their homes are eligible for $450 in property tax relief under the ANCHOR Program.

Tenants and renters who were previously ineligible because their unit was covered by a PILOT agreement can now apply for the ANCHOR benefit.

Eligible applicants will receive a $450 payment this spring.

To be eligible for this year's benefit, you must have occupied your primary residence on October 1st, 2019. You must also file (or be exempt from) NJ income taxes. The deadline for filing is February 28th, 2023.

Spring is on the horizon and Outside, Together! is working with New Jerseyans to update the State's five-year Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. To participate, please take this short, 10-minute survey to help us decide how we plan for and improve the open space and parks in your neighborhood and across New Jersey.

First-time homebuyers can qualify for up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a home in New Jersey through the Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA). The DPA is an interest-free, five-year forgivable second loan with no monthly payment.

New Jersey's Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program provides financial assistance for eligible homeowners who have experienced a significant decrease of income or increase of expenses due to COVID-19 and have been unable to remain current with their mortgage payments.

Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $75,000 per household to cover mortgage reinstatement assistance and other eligible housing related costs, including delinquent property taxes and HOA dues.

As of January 1st, 2023, those under 19 may now apply for NJ FamilyCare regardless of their immigration status. All other requirements for NJ FamilyCare still apply.

NJ FamilyCare is the state's publicly funded health insurance program that includes Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients.

If you are having trouble paying your electric, sewer, or water bills, you may be eligible to avoid disconnection through the Winter Termination Program. Until March 15th, 2023, people unable to pay their utility bills due to circumstances beyond their control, as well as people receiving certain types of public assistance, can receive forbearance by contacting their utility company.

Individuals or families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can contact their county social service agency for assistance. After business hours, call 2-1-1 or visit NJ211.org.

New Jerseyans are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy throughout the winter. Respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are currently circulating throughout the state.

Residents are particularly encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, including receiving the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster when eligible.

Everyone six months of age and older is now eligible for the bivalent COVID-19 vaccinations that target recently circulating Omicron subvariants. COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone. Find locations offering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters on the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Community Calendar.

Flu vaccines, which are often covered by insurers at little to no cost to individuals, can be found at pharmacies, health care provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and local health departments. FQHCs and health departments may also offer the flu vaccine at little to no cost for eligible uninsured or underinsured individuals.

Everyone is encouraged to take common sense measures to protect themselves and the people around them. This includes coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, washing your hands, staying home when you're sick, and wearing a mask if you or someone you're spending time with is at high risk of severe illness.

If symptoms appear, get tested for COVID-19. Free at-home test kits are available from the federal government and testing is offered for free at certain sites around New Jersey.

Keep children home from school and child care centers if they are feeling unwell. Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are impacting schools and child care settings in New Jersey right now.