Michigan Home Heating Credit Deadline Is Sept. 30: Lansing-Area Residents Can Get Free Filing Help

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan residents who may qualify for the state Home Heating Credit have until Sept. 30, 2026, to apply, and free filing assistance is available for Lansing-area households.

The credit helps eligible renters and homeowners offset home heating costs. According to information shared with The Chronicle News from the Governor’s Office and Michigan health and human services officials, the average qualifying household received $171 in assistance last year, often applied directly to a utility bill.

Free help is available locally

United Way of South Central Michigan is offering free tax preparation services to help residents apply for the Home Heating Credit, identify other tax credits they may qualify for, and file current or prior-year tax returns at no cost.

Residents can learn more about free filing assistance at MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org.

What residents should know

The filing deadline for the Home Heating Credit is Sept. 30. Residents who think they may qualify are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and seek filing assistance before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days.

The state’s announcement and additional Home Heating Credit information are available through the Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at Michigan.gov/Whitmer.

Photo: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Courtesy of the State of Michigan / Office of the Governor.

Source: Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and United Way of South Central Michigan information provided to The Chronicle News.