Beach, Greenwald, and Lampitt Urge Residents to Apply for "Senior Freeze" Program for Property Tax Relief

 Offices of 6th District Legislators to Assist Eligible Seniors, Disabled Residents in Completing Applications for Tax Relief

(VOORHEES)– Senator James Beach, Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis Greenwald, and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (all D-Camden) today urged seniors and those with disabilities to take advantage of the state property tax reimbursement program known as the “Senior Freeze.”

“Our senior citizens and residents with disabilities are feeling the one-two punch of economic recession and rising property taxes,” said Beach. “For many eligible New Jerseyans, the ‘Senior Freeze’ means much-needed relief.”

Now in its eleventh year providing reimbursement to eligible seniors and disabled residents for property tax increases, the “Senior Freeze” deadline is June 1 this year. Under the program, eligible applicants receive direct reimbursement for the difference between the property tax amount paid in their “base year” (the first year a resident became eligible and filed for the program) and the amount paid in the current year. 

“In tough economic times, every penny counts, especially if you’re living on a fixed income,” said Greenwald. “I urge eligible residents to apply for the ‘Senior Freeze,’ which can provide significant savings.”

Beach, Greenwald, and Lampitt said their staffs stand ready to assist residents in completing and filing applications for the “Senior Freeze.” Senator Beach’s office is located at 1916 Route 70 East, Suite 3 in Cherry Hill; the phone number is 856-489-3442. Assemblyman Greenwald and Assemblywoman Lampitt’s office is located at 1103 Laurel Oak Road, Suite 142 in Voorhees; the phone number is 856-435-1247.

“The economy is tight, and people are really feeling the pain,” said Lampitt. “The ‘Senior Freeze’ program will help eligible residents feeling the economic squeeze to continue to make their homes in New Jersey.”

Beach, Greenwald, and Lampitt supported recently-enacted measures to expand eligibility for the “Senior Freeze. These measures allow even more households to qualify for badly-needed property tax relief.

First-time “Senior Freeze” applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• For 2007 and 2008, have been age 65 or older or receiving Social Security disability benefits as of Dec. 31;

• Have lived in New Jersey continuously since before Jan. 1, 1998, as either a homeowner or a renter and lived in the home for which the reimbursement is being claimed since before Jan. 1, 2005;

• Have paid the full amount of the property taxes due on the home for 2007 by June 1, 2008, and for 2008 by June 1, 2009;

• Have total household income for 2007 that is $60,000 or less and for 2008 that is $70,000 or less.

The 6th District encompasses part of Camden County, including Audubon Park, Berlin Borough, Berlin Township, Chesilhurst, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Gibbsboro, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Oaklyn, Pine Hill, Pine Valley, Tavistock, Voorhees, Waterford, Winslow.

For more information about the “Senior Freeze” property tax relief, residents can visit the program website at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.shtml or call the legislators’ offices.

For Release: February 20, 2009

Contact: Senator Beach, 856-489-3442

Assemblyman Greenwald & Assemblywoman Lampitt, 856-435-1247

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