Where lower-income Michigan households can get help in 2026
Each card names the fact we keep on file. Programs are first come, first served, so apply early.
State Weatherization Assistance Program
Wall, attic and foundation insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors and dryer venting. Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or on cash assistance or SSI. Run by local community action agencies.
DTE Energy Efficiency Assistance
Weatherization, heating system tune-up or replacement, a high efficiency water heater, a refrigerator and lighting, for households at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. About 88% of electric and 87% of gas slots were open.
State home energy rebates (MiHER)
Caps are $14,000 for electric equipment and $20,000 for whole-home efficiency, with up to the full project cost for eligible lower-income households. New income-qualified applications are paused in the Detroit, Warren, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo districts.
Consumers free home energy analysis
A free visit and report for homeowners in Consumers Energy's service area, with free small upgrades. No income test is listed.
Michigan Saves loan
For work you pay for yourself. Fixed-rate loans from eight credit unions, $1,000 to $100,000.
Federal 25C and 25D tax credits
The federal home energy credits ended for work finished after December 31, 2025.
Which program first
Start with the state weatherization program if your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or if you get cash assistance or SSI. It is free and run by local agencies. DTE's program reaches higher, at 250%, and the page lists $80,375 as the limit for a family of four. If you fall between 200% and 250% of poverty and use DTE, try DTE first.
About MiHER
The state's rebate program is funded by federal money and run by Michigan's environment department (EGLE). It covers heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, air sealing and electrical wiring, and pays an approved contractor directly, so you do not pay upfront for the covered amount. Its page says applications are open for low- to moderate-income households. But new income-qualified applications in the Detroit, Warren, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo districts are temporarily unavailable. The state's news release in August 2026 said the Detroit district was nearing its funding cap. The page names districts, not counties, so use the state's district map to find yours.
What to bring
Expect to show income. The state's rebate FAQ names pay statements, and it also accepts proof that you get certain benefits. Keep a recent utility bill ready. DTE's program also needs your DTE account to be active and in good standing.
Renters
The state weatherization program is open to renters as well as owners. A landlord's approval is usually needed for work on the building. Ask the local agency what it needs.
How to ask for free help in Michigan
- Check your household income against 200% and 250% of the federal poverty level.
- Call DTE at (833) 627-2300 if DTE is your utility, or contact your county's weatherization agency through the state.
- Gather income proof and a recent utility bill.
- Ask if the agency can also use MiHER money once it reopens.
- Keep a copy of every form you sign.
More for Michigan homes
- Michigan home rebates: every program in one place
- Detroit home rebates: DTE Energy offers for Detroit homes
- Grand Rapids home rebates: Consumers Energy offers
- Ann Arbor home rebates: the city's A2ZERO program and DTE
- Lansing home rebates: Board of Water & Light and Consumers
- Michigan smart thermostat rebates: small rebates anyone can claim
- Michigan water heater rebates: city and utility offers
Common questions
Who qualifies for Michigan's free weatherization?
Households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or those on cash assistance or SSI.
How do I apply?
Contact the local weatherization operator, usually a community action agency, that serves your county.
Is MiHER open?
Applications are open to low- to moderate-income households, except new income-qualified ones in the Detroit, Warren, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo districts, which are paused.
What does DTE's program give?
No-cost upgrades such as weatherization, a heating system tune-up or replacement, a water heater and a refrigerator, for households at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
Does the federal tax credit help?
No. It ended for work finished after December 31, 2025, and it was never a free program.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 6, 2026: Michigan weatherization assistance, DTE Energy: limited income assistance, Michigan EGLE: Home Energy Rebates, Michigan Saves home energy loans.