The Elder Help Network is pressing Governor Mikie Sherrill and the New Jersey Legislature to significantly expand property tax relief programs for seniors, warning that rising taxes are forcing many longtime residents out of the homes they have lived in for decades.
New Jersey consistently ranks among the highest states in property taxes. For seniors living on fixed incomes from Social Security and modest pensions, even modest annual increases can become unsustainable. Many older adults are now facing difficult choices between paying their property taxes, affording medications, or buying groceries.
“New Jersey seniors built this state. They paid taxes for 40 or 50 years. They should not be taxed out of their own homes in retirement,†the Elder Help Network stated.
The organization is calling for an expanded and modernized senior property tax relief program, including:
– Raising income eligibility thresholds for existing relief programs – Creating a stronger “circuit breaker†program that caps property taxes as a percentage of income for seniors – Increasing funding for home repair and accessibility modification grants so seniors can safely remain in their homes – Exploring targeted tax credits for long-term homeowners over age 65
Advocates note that when seniors are forced to sell and move, it often leads to isolation, loss of community ties, and higher long-term costs for the state through increased reliance on institutional care. Keeping seniors in their homes is both a moral imperative and sound public policy.
The Elder Help Network is encouraging seniors and their families across New Jersey to contact their legislators and urge them to make meaningful property tax relief for older adults a priority in the next legislative session.
Visit https://elderhelpnetwork.com to learn more and get involved.
