Lansing, Michigan – Michigan households looking for help with winter heating costs are facing a firm deadline: the state’s Home Heating Tax Credit cannot be claimed after September ends.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging eligible renters and homeowners to file by Wednesday, Sept. 30, pointing to a benefit that provided qualifying households an average of $171 last year. In many cases, the money was applied directly to utility bills.
“No one should have to choose between keeping the heat on and affording their basic needs,” Whitmer said. “As we enter the colder months, I encourage all eligible Michiganders to submit their claim for the Home Heating Tax Credit before the September deadline.”
The credit is designed to help low-income Michigan households manage energy expenses during colder months. Eligibility is available to qualifying homeowners and renters with contracted leases who meet the state’s income requirements.
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The deadline carries extra weight because the credit cannot be claimed retroactively. Anyone who qualifies but fails to file by Sept. 30 will lose the opportunity to receive assistance for the current filing period.
“This is a time-limited opportunity,” acting Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Amy Epkey said. “If residents do not file by the end of September, they cannot claim the credit later.”
Some recipients may see benefits beyond their heating bills. Food assistance recipients who are seniors, disabled or veterans and receive a Home Heating Credit greater than $20 may also qualify for increased food benefits.
State officials are particularly focused on residents who qualify but never submit a claim. Acting CEDAM Executive Director Ben Dowd said many families miss available support simply because they do not file.
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Free help is available statewide. Residents can connect with tax preparation providers through MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org, by calling 211 or by texting 898211. United Way organizations and Community Action Agencies can also direct residents to nearby assistance.
Chief Deputy State Treasurer Lance Wilkinson called the credit a practical way to reduce energy expenses and preserve household money for other needs.
The Home Heating Credit is part of the Whitmer administration’s broader effort to reduce household costs. Other measures cited by the administration include changes to Michigan’s retirement tax, expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit and programs aimed at reducing education and other family expenses.
For eligible households, however, the immediate message is simpler: file before Sept. 30 or the heating credit will no longer be available.