Lakewood-area residents will have an opportunity this Sunday to learn more about New Jersey’s ANCHOR property tax relief program and receive in-person assistance filing for benefits.

The event will be held Sunday, August 23, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Westwood office complex, located at 1001 Route 70 near the Lakewood-Toms River border.

The ANCHOR program provides eligible New Jersey homeowners and renters with property tax relief benefits worth several hundred dollars annually.

Information about eligibility and other program details will be available in both English and Yiddish. Representatives from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury will also be on site to answer questions and assist residents with processing applications.

The event is being organized by the C.A.R.E.S. organization, which has arranged ANCHOR assistance events since 2024, and is being co-sponsored by Lakewood Township along with several local businesses and organizations. Organizers said the previous C.A.R.E.S. ANCHOR event in Lakewood drew more participants than any other such event in New Jersey aside from Newark.

“We greatly appreciate that Lakewood residents have the opportunity to learn about the ANCHOR program and apply at a convenient local venue,” Lakewood Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein said. “Thanks to the Treasury Department, C.A.R.E.S. and other event partners, many additional local households will enjoy relief during these financially stressed times.”

State Senator Robert Singer encouraged residents who need assistance with the application process to attend.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone that needs assistance in filling out the ANCHOR application,” Singer said. “I would recommend that my constituents take advantage of this opportunity.”

Assemblyman Avi Schnall said continued funding for the program provides important relief for families facing rising expenses.

“We are grateful that the State Legislature has once again provided the necessary funding for the ANCHOR program in this year’s budget,” Schnall said. “This program provides crucial relief to countless families within our District, and throughout the State, who struggle to keep up with the fast-rising cost of living.”

Lipa Klein, director of C.A.R.E.S., thanked the Treasury Department and local partners for making representatives available on a weekend to maximize participation.

“It is a privilege to assist so many local residents obtain property tax relief,” Klein said. “On behalf of the Lakewood community, I would like to thank the Treasury Department for providing live representation at the event — on a weekend — in order to allow for maximum public participation. Special thanks as well to Lakewood Township and the other co-sponsors for making this event possible.”