Michigan renters and homeowners who need help paying heating bills have until Wednesday, Sept. 30, to claim a state tax credit worth an average of $171.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the deadline Tuesday, Sept. 1, saying the Home Heating Credit cannot be claimed retroactively. Residents who miss the cutoff lose the benefit entirely.

"If residents do not file by the end of September, they cannot claim the credit later," acting MDHHS Director Amy Epkey said in the announcement, reported by the Oakland County Times.

The credit is available to renters with a signed lease and homeowners who meet state income requirements. Last year, the average qualifying household received $171, most often applied directly to utility bills. Some energy providers also give claimants an automatic residential income assistance credit worth up to $20 per month.

The state recommends filing through Michigan's free tax preparation services. Birmingham and Bloomfield area residents can find a nearby site by calling 211, texting a zip code to 898211 or visiting MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org. Full eligibility details are available at michigan.gov/taxes.

The Sept. 30 deadline is firm, with no extensions or retroactive claims available.