We calculate the first homology group of the mapping class group with coefficients in the first rational homology group of the universal abelian $Z / L Z$-cover of the surface. If the surface has one marked point, then the answer is $Q^{tau(L)}$, where $tau(L)$ is the number of positive divisors of $L$. If the surface instead has one boundary component, then the answer is $Q$. We also perform the same calculation for the level $L$ subgroup of the mapping class group. Set $H_L = H_1(Sigma_g;Z/LZ)$. If the surface has one marked point, then the answer is $Q[H_L]$, the rational group ring of $H_L$. If the surface instead has one boundary component, then the answer is $Q$.